Intel Intent on Ingesting Infineon Unit

Intel’s in an acquisitive mood these days. A week after buying antivirus software maker McAfee for $7.68 billion, the company is reportedly finalizing a deal to acquire Infineon Technologies’ wireless business. No word yet on terms, though Infineon’s asking price is rumored to be nearly $2 billion.

If it’s able to consummate a deal–and sources say that could happen as early as today–Intel (INTC) will with one move become a major player in the smartphone chip market, a component supplier to the likes of RIM (RIMM), Samsung, Nokia (NOK) and Apple (AAPL)–you’ll find Infineon silicon in the iPad and iPhone. And that’s something Intel has openly lusted after for years–or at least since it sold off its own communications and application chip business to Marvell four years ago.