NEW YORK, Sept 9 (Reuters) - Private equity firm THL

Partners on Monday agreed to acquire a majority stake in AMI

, in a deal that people familiar with the matter said

valued the provider of semiconductor software at roughly $600

million.

The deal is expected to close in autumn this year, according

to a statement seen by Reuters. THL invested in AMI through its

flagship Fund IX and its Automation Fund, which invests in

technology firms that build automation software and tools.

THL's bet on AMI comes as investors have doubled down on the

generative artificial-intelligence boom that has powered

chipmakers such as Nvidia ( NVDA ) and other big tech firms, and

turbocharged global demand for AI infrastructure such as data

centers and high-powered servers.

"When you think about big macro trends - the explosion of

investment in data centers, semiconductors on a global scale,

and artificial intelligence - AMI really sits at the root level

of that investment," said Jim Carlisle, a managing director at

THL who heads the firm's investments in the technology and

business solutions sectors.

Atlanta, Georgia-based AMI provides software used in

embedded devices, servers and data centers. Its customers

include Intel ( INTC ), Nvidia ( NVDA ), Microsoft ( MSFT ) and Qualcomm ( QCOM )

.

Its software helps companies manage and secure advanced

computing systems, and is used in more than 60% of servers that

power data centers and cloud computing, according to AMI.

Launched in 1974 and formerly known as Thomas H. Lee

Partners, THL is a buyout firm that primarily focuses on

acquiring midsized companies in the healthcare, financial

technology and services, and technology sectors. Since its

founding, Boston-based THL has raised more than $35 billion

across its funds, and invested in over 170 companies.

Its recent acquisitions include the $2.5 billion

take-private deal for healthcare technology firm Agiliti, and a

majority-stake deal in forensic consulting firm YA Group.

Through its automation fund, THL has backed companies like

Brooks Automation, which supplies robotics and automation tools

to semiconductor manufacturers.

Bank of America ( BAC ) and law firm Kirkland & Ellis

advised AMI on the deal. Evercore, Ropes & Gray, and Paul, Weiss

advised THL.