Auto parts maker Aptiv would buy software developer Wind River from private equity firm TPG Capital for $4.3 billion, seeking to capitalize on a surge in spending by automakers to digitalize their cars.
The all-cash deal will expand Aptiv’s footprint in an area that is fast becoming the next battleground for automakers, which are spending billions of dollars to enable over-the-air updates and add smartphone-like features.
Once owned by Intel Corp, Wind River develops software and cloud systems for several industries such as automotive, aerospace, defense, industrial, medical and telecoms. Its revenue in 2021 was about $400 million.
Aptiv, whose customers include Stellantis, Volkswagen and General Motors (GM), battled supply chain problems for much of 2021 but has seen rising demand for its automated driving systems.
The company said it would combine Wind River’s auto software with its Smart Vehicle Architecture platform. Wind River will operate as a stand-alone business within Aptiv.
Aptiv has forecast 2021 revenue of $15.1 billion to $15.5 billion, its highest in seven years.
