Synopsys' Bid for Ansys Faces In-Depth U.K. Probe Unless Remedies Quell Antitrust Concerns — Update

systems in a broad swathe of devices like medical equipment, smart cars or in fast-growing artificial-intelligence services.

Sunnyvale, Calif.-based chip design software maker Synopsys agreed to buy Ansys in January with the deal approved by its shareholders in May. The deal would create a new design-software company that extends Synopsys' reach in simulation software for designers of microchips, cars and airplanes.

The CMA's in-depth probes can take roughly 24 weeks but can drag on longer in extenuating circumstances. That can sometimes lead to companies walking away from a deal if there is too much uncertainty.