(Refiles to remove extraneous text in headline) By Alexandra Alper and Max A. Cherney WASHINGTON/SAN FRANCISCO, Dec 12 (Reuters) - Chipmaker Intel, has tested chipmaking tools this year from a toolmaker with deep roots in China and two overseas units that were targeted by U.S. sanctions, according to two sources with direct knowledge of the matter. Intel, which fended off calls for its CEO’s resignation from President Donald Trump in August over his alleged ties to China, got the tools from ACM Researc ...

Core Viewpoint - Wingtech Technology has appointed Sophie Shen Xinjia as president amid a dispute over control of Nexperia, reflecting the company's need to navigate complex legal and regulatory challenges [1][4]. Group 1: Leadership Changes - Sophie Shen Xinjia, a Columbia Law School graduate and experienced general counsel, has been named president of Wingtech Technology [1]. - Shen replaces Zhang Qiuhong, who resigned on July 14, and had been serving as acting president since then [2]. - Shen has over 15 years of experience in legal counsel, focusing on corporate governance, compliance, mergers and acquisitions, and cross-border transactions [5]. Group 2: Regulatory Challenges - The Dutch authorities seized control of Nexperia on September 30, citing national security concerns under the Goods Availability Act [4]. - This action included the removal of Wingtech founder Zhang Xuezheng as CEO of Nexperia [6]. - The US government has extended export control restrictions to entities at least 50% owned by companies on its trade blacklist, affecting Nexperia due to its ownership by Wingtech [6]. Group 3: Response from China - In response to the Dutch actions, Beijing issued a ban on Nexperia China and its subcontractors from exporting finished components produced in China [7]. - Approximately 70% of Nexperia's products are assembled in its Dongguan factory, highlighting the potential impact of these restrictions on the company's operations [7].

Core Viewpoint - The Dutch government has seized control of Nexperia due to national security concerns, leading to tensions between the Netherlands and China, as the company instructs its Chinese staff to disregard orders from the Netherlands headquarters [2][4][6]. Group 1: Company Control and Management Changes - Nexperia China has informed its employees that they have the "right to refuse" orders from the Nijmegen headquarters without facing disciplinary actions, indicating a rebellion against the Dutch government's control [2][3]. - The Dutch government removed Nexperia's Chinese leadership, replacing CEO Zhang Xuezheng with Stefan Tilger, the company's financial chief, due to "serious managerial shortcomings" that compromised operations [5][6]. - The Dutch government's actions were influenced by pressure from Washington, which threatened export controls if Zhang remained in his position [3][6]. Group 2: National Security Concerns - The Dutch government expressed concerns that Nexperia's operations were being compromised in an "unacceptable manner," raising broader issues regarding the availability of critical semiconductor products for the European industry [6]. - Wingtech, Nexperia's owner, was placed on Washington's tech blacklist last year for allegedly aiding Chinese government efforts to acquire sensitive semiconductor manufacturing capabilities [6][7]. Group 3: Company Background and Market Position - Nexperia is a major player in the semiconductor industry, known for supplying low-tech chips used in consumer electronics, with factories across Europe, including in Stockport, Greater Manchester [5]. - The company was acquired by Wingtech for $3.63 billion in 2018 and was originally formed as an independent entity in 2006 after being spun out of Philips [7].

Investment & Activism - Activist investors are likely to press targets over national security concerns [1] Mergers & Acquisitions - Coreweave is not budging on its $9 billion offer [1] Cryptocurrency - A cautious outlook is expected for Winklevoss crypto firm [1]

Core Viewpoint - Apple has decided to keep TikTok in its App Store for at least 75 more days following a letter from Attorney General Pam Bondi, which aligns with President Trump's executive order extending the pause on a U.S. TikTok ban [1][4]. Group 1: Apple and TikTok - Apple received a letter from Attorney General Pam Bondi urging compliance with President Trump's executive order regarding TikTok [1]. - The decision to keep TikTok in the App Store comes after a previous ban earlier in the year due to national security concerns related to TikTok's Chinese ownership [4]. - Apple had previously restored TikTok in February after receiving a similar letter from Bondi [4]. Group 2: TikTok Ownership and Sale - The White House set a deadline for TikTok's owner, ByteDance, to sell the app, with various potential buyers including Amazon and private equity groups [2]. - A new agreement under negotiation would give outside investors 50% of TikTok's U.S. business, while ByteDance's stake would be reduced to just under 20% [3]. - Recent U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports, including a 54% duty, have caused ByteDance to reconsider the sale [3]. Group 3: Trump's Position and Amazon's Interest - Trump initially supported banning TikTok but reversed his stance last year, advocating for a solution even after legal challenges [5]. - Amazon is reportedly interested in acquiring TikTok, which could enhance its influence over consumer behavior, particularly among younger demographics [5][6]. - An acquisition by Amazon could integrate TikTok's advertising ecosystem with its retail infrastructure, linking content discovery to direct purchasing [6].

Group 1 - Amazon has made a last-minute bid to acquire TikTok, which is facing a potential ban in the US if not sold by its Chinese owner, ByteDance [1][2] - The bid was communicated in a letter to officials involved in the sale discussions, aimed at addressing US national security concerns [1] - President Trump has expressed confidence in finding a buyer for TikTok's US operations by the upcoming deadline, despite downplaying the risks of a ban [2][5] Group 2 - The most likely resolution involves existing US investors in ByteDance rolling over their stakes into a new independent global TikTok company, with additional US investors like Oracle and Blackstone joining to reduce Chinese ownership [3] - TikTok has over 170 million users in the US and is under threat from a law requiring it to separate from ByteDance or face a ban [4] - The deadline for TikTok to be sold is set for April 5, 2025, with potential extensions from President Trump if a deal is not finalized [5][6] Group 3 - Trump's administration may offer to reduce tariffs on China to facilitate Beijing's approval for the sale of TikTok [6] - Trump has shifted from supporting a ban to defending TikTok, recognizing its popularity among younger voters [7] - Other bidders for TikTok include Frank McCourt's Project Liberty initiative, AI startup Perplexity, and internet personality MrBeast [7]