Chipmaker says the move is unrelated to Intel's recent financial performance
The two firms expect the deal to close in 2025
Rivals AMD and Nvidia have already started taking advantage of 7nm technology to produce more efficient chips
Both AMD and Intel are continuing to produce CPUs at near full capacity despite the COVID-19 outbreak
Intel will compete more aggressively for PC market business, according to CEO Bob Swan
Intel results alleviate some fears about a global semiconductor sales slowdown and curbs on US sales to Huawei
The deal covers about 2,200 Intel employees, intellectual property, leases and equipment
The deal is valued at $1 billion, according to the sources
CEO Bob Swan hints that the company's parallel 5nm process developments are on track - unlike its much-delayed 10nm manufacturing processes
Chip shortage to continue during 2019 as Intel prioritises high-end server demand for cloud computing