Philips Electronics NV is stepping up its efforts to get its $17 per share cash tender offer for VLSI Technology Inc accepted, and late on Friday filed a consent solicitation with the US Securities and Exchange Commission seeking consent from VLSI stockholders to remove the VLSI Board or Directors.

Philips wants to replace the Board with nominees who, subject to their fiduciary duties, would allow Philips to proceed. It has requested that VLSI sets a record date to establish which stockholders are entitled to participate in the consent solicitation, and hopes to be ready to send the consent statement out in around two weeks time. The company said it still remains hopeful that VLSI will enter negotiations soon. Philips commenced its tender offer for all the outstanding shares of VLSI on March 5, at a 58% premium on the closing price per share on February 25th, when the offer was first disclosed. It currently owns 1,235,000 or 2.7% of the shares. Credit Suisse First Boston is its financial advisor.