Got a spare $3 billion hanging around? If so, you could have acquired International Rectifier (IR). But I’m afraid you’re too late, as Infineon beat you to it.

In a move that makes lots of sense, the combination of companies makes a powerhouse in the power semiconductor arena. It also adds to the “globalness” of the two companies. Finally, it adds the manufacturing expertise that’s needed by incorporating IR’s semiconductor technologies with Infineon’s world-class fabs.

The full details (or at least as much as is public) are available in an Infineon press release. EE Times also offers an interesting take.

Specifically, IR brings an expertise in low-power, energy-efficient IGBTs, including its intelligent power modules, power MOSFETs, and digital power management ICs. Is there duplication? Sure, but not enough to scare anyone away from this deal.