Catenaa, Wednesday, July 16, 2025-China’s top market regulator has conditionally approved Synopsys Inc.’s $35 billion acquisition of engineering software firm Ansys, removing the final regulatory obstacle to the landmark merger between two U.S. tech giants.
The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) granted its nod on Monday after months of antitrust scrutiny, including extended delays amid U.S.-China tensions over chip design software exports. The decision clears the way for Synopsys and Ansys to complete the deal around July 17, just ahead of the original July 15 deadline, which could have otherwise been extended into next year.
The approval is contingent on strict conditions. The merged entity must continue supplying electronic design automation (EDA) products to Chinese customers on fair, non-discriminatory terms. It must also honor current contracts and maintain interoperability agreements—key to ensuring software compatibility across platforms.
Concerns had grown earlier this year that SAMR might withhold approval in retaliation for U.S. export controls on EDA software. But a softening stance by Washington this month, including the lifting of some restrictions, helped ease bilateral friction and likely aided the regulatory outcome.
