Qualcomm Inc. has approached Intel Corp. to discuss a potential acquisition of the struggling chipmaker, people with knowledge of the matter said, raising the prospect of one of the biggest-ever

The chipmaker Qualcomm has approached its rival Intel in recent days about the possibility of acquiring the slumping Silicon Valley giant, two people familiar with the matter said Friday, requesting anonymity because the talks were confidential.

The Wall Street Journal reported Friday that San Diego-based wireless giant Qualcomm has approached Intel about a possible takeover of the ailing chip maker.

As Intel's manufacturing struggles continue, any potential deal with Qualcomm won't fix America's chipmaking dilemma.

Qualcomm is a popular figure in the smartphone industry, thanks primarily to its Snapdragon series of chipsets that power both midrange and flagship phones. The company's reach ex