Nvidia completes 3dfx buyout

Graphics chipmaker Nvidia announced Thursday the completion of its buyout of most of 3dfx Interactive's assets. According to Santa Clara, Calif.-based Nvidia, it paid $55 million in cash to 3dfx for patents, patent applications, trademarks and brand names related to 3dfx's graphics chip business.

Subject to certain conditions, Nvidia will also pay 3dfx 1 million shares of Nvidia common stock or a combination of up to $25 million in cash and fewer shares. The close of this deal marks the dismissal of a patent-infringement suit between Nvidia and 3dfx. The sale was initially announced in mid-December.