Whether server or smartphone, laptop or workstation - at the heart of every computer there is at least one central processor, the so-called CPU.

One type of processor has dominated since the 1980s: Intel's x86 architecture.

After more than 40 years, the relatively small British company ARM is now contesting this role.

But a US tech giant wants to secure what is probably the most important technology patent treasure in the world. The $ 40 billion deal calls big ARM customers like Microsoft, Google and Qualcomm, but above all Chinese manufacturers, onto the scene. Europe also threatens to lose a unique opportunity.