I take exception to the usage of the word "spinoff". Intel is selling a portion of Altera. If this was a true spinoff, Intel shareholders would get shares in the new entity.
I know a Altera folks personally. From my understanding this is happening - new shares and all. They'll stay on Intel stock until the new entity is finalised (some time next year). Apparently the plan is to go private and create a new IPO 3 years from now like they did with Mobileye.
Right. In a true spinoff, there would be an event in which all Intel shareholders of record in the ex-date would receive a tax-free distribution of Y shares of the new entity for each Intel share owned.
Intel needs the cash, so this is understandable.