Chip design software maker Synopsys Inc's (NASDAQ:SNPS, ETR:SYP) US$35 billion acquisition of Ansys is facing a potential UK regulatory probe into whether it would affect competition in Britain.
No formal investigation has been launched rather this is just a preliminary inquiry, said the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).
The CMA said it would decide whether to refer the deal to a phase 1 probe based on the information it receives in this preliminary stage.
Ansys's software is used widely by manufacturers while Synopsys specializes in creating tools for chip design to customise electronic systems to make these products.
In May, Chinese regulators said they had asked Synopsys to help with information for its assessment of the deal.