The deal between SoftBank and Intel would involve the creation of roughly 87 million new shares, adding an incremental 2% to Intel’s overall share count. Reitzes believes the transaction will happen before the end of the year.

The deal comes as the US government explores a deal to take as much as a 10% ownership stake in the Santa Clara, California, firm.

The investment will make SoftBank Intel’s fifth biggest investor, with the conglomerate paying $23 per share of Intel common stock. Lip-Bu Tan, Intel’s CEO, said in a statement that he “appreciate (s) the confidence (SoftBank) has placed in Intel with this investment.”