NXP Semiconductors NV is close to a deal to acquire smaller peer Freescale Semiconductor Ltd. in a $40-billion cash and stock merger that will reshape the semiconductor industry, according to two people familiar with the matter. NXP Semiconductors NV is close to a deal to acquire smaller peer Freescale Semiconductor Ltd. in a $40-billion cash and stock merger that will reshape the semiconductor industry, according to two people familiar with the matter.