Broadcom and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) have shown interest in acquiring parts of Intel's business. According to The Wall Street Journal, Broadcom is considering acquiring Intel's division that develops and markets microchips, but no official offers have been made yet. TSMC, in turn, is exploring the prospect of controlling Intel's factories, possibly as part of an investor consortium. Negotiations are at an early stage and are unofficial. Intel's management, including interim Executive Chairman Frank Yeary, is consulting with potential buyers and representatives of the US administration, given the company's strategic importance to national security. Intel's problems, related to lagging manufacturing technologies and increased competition, have made the company vulnerable to possible division and sale of its assets.