NXP Semiconductors

A Dutch company warned corporate customers Monday to upgrade the security of a smart-card chip widely used to enter buildings and for public transportation after scientists won the right to publish its arithmetic code.

A spokesman for NXP Semiconductors said the compromised code of the smart cards may require "complex system modifications" of hardware, software and infrastructure, and could take years for customers to secure their systems.

Europe-based chipmakers STMicroelectronics and NXP Semiconductors have agreed to combine key wireless operations that were collectively responsible for generating $3 billion in revenue during 2007.

In exchange for $1.55 billion, STMicroelectronics will hold an 80 percent stake in the new joint venture, with NXP, an independent company founded by Philips, holding the remaining 20 percent. The deal is expected to close in the third quarter.

Europe-based chipmakers STMicroelectronics and NXP Semiconductors have agreed to combine key wireless operations that were collectively responsible for generating $3 billion in revenue during 2007.

In exchange for $1.55 billion, STMicroelectronics will hold an 80 percent stake in the new joint venture, with NXP, an independent company founded by Philips, holding the remaining 20 percent. The deal is expected to close in the third quarter.