BANGKOK (AP) — Japanese technology giant SoftBank Group plans to take a $2 billion stake in computer chip maker Intel as it deepens its involvement in American semiconductor manufacturing and other advanced technology in the United States, the companies said.

SoftBank plans to buy $2 billion of Intel’s common stock, paying $23 per share. That would be about a 2 percent stake.

“Semiconductors are the foundation of every industry,” said SoftBank’s chairman, Masayoshi Son. “This strategic investment reflects our belief that advanced semiconductor manufacturing and supply will further expand in the United States, with Intel playing a critical role.”

Intel helped launch Silicon Valley but has fallen behind rivals such as Nvidia Corp. and Advanced Micro Devices Inc., and is shedding thousands of workers and slashing costs under its new CEO, Lip-Bu Tan.