Deals
Qualcomm Outspent Broadcom About 100 to 1 in Lobbying
- Chipmaker spent $8.3 million vs. Broadcom’s $85,000 last year
- Deal blocked hours after Broadcom chief’s Pentagon meeting
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Well before Qualcomm Inc. confronted a hostile takeover bid from Broadcom Ltd., the San Diego-based chipmaker laid the groundwork for support in Washington by outspending its rival by nearly 100 to 1.
Qualcomm spent $8.3 million in 2017, while Broadcom spent $85,000, according to federal lobbying disclosures. Qualcomm disclosed spending on issues including immigration, international trade, taxes and antitrust, among others, showing how it amassed clout in Washington. It’s unclear how much of Qualcomm’s money paid for lobbying against Broadcom’s bid.