I have some serious doubts about these rumours. TSMC wants to buy Intel's fab why, exactly? Even assuming it isn't shut down for antitrust reasons, what are they gaining? A fab that is struggling to compete with the ones they already have? Lithography equipment they can just buy from ASML or whomever?

Not to mention the fact that the rumours themselves caused a rally in INTC price that makes acquisition far less attractive.