Does anyone think Apple may be planning to buy Sharp?

[melburstein]

We've all seen three questions asked many times?
1. When will we see a new Apple Thunderbolt Display?
2. Why did Apple offer a 4k monitor from Sharp, instead of one from Apple?
3. When will we see an iTV, or whatever it may be named?

Makes me wonder if there might be something big in the works, like the purchase of Sharp's TV and Monitor/Display business by Apple.

Just wild speculation on my part.

 

[chfilm]

I thought about this too. I'm not thinking they're going to purchase them. Instead, they're pushing sharp to help them get out of their red numbers again.

I heard that sharp was not doing so dwell not so long ago, but apple made some huge investments in them, been helped them build up a new factory somewhere. It's all cause sharp works on some fancy new display technology that apple wants to have from what I recall. Igzo was it?

 

[carestudio]

I dont think so.
On Apple website and 4K knowledge base, it shows Asus 4K display too.

 

[mmomega]

I doubt it because Sharp deals with more products than only displays and ATM that is all Apple needs from them, I doubt Apple wants to have their hands in making TV's, microwaves and audio equipment.

 

[paulrbeers]

I doubt it because Sharp deals with more products than only displays and ATM that is all Apple needs from them, I doubt Apple wants to have their hands in making TV's, microwaves and audio equipment.

Agreed. Now if they just wanted to purchase their display division I could see that maybe. A lot really depends on whether Apple truly wants to get into the Television Market. But then again, all rumors point to Foxconn for making the Apple Televisions so who really knows.

 

[maflynn]

Japanese conglomerates particularly the electronic companies, they're in a tough spot, they're being out designed, out sold and out priced for many of their products, particularly for displays (monitors/TVs).

Basically what they did to the US TV segment is now occurring to them thanks to the Korean electronic companies.

Here's my point in bringing this up with Sharp, Apple will be assuming a lot of issues that do not relate to computers if they purchase Sharp. True they would have display R&D, patents and manufacturing plants but they also will have a consumer company that is not selling TVs and other electronics too well.

Remember Sharp is not just a display company. Just looking at their wikipedia page We see they make microwaves, solar panels cash registers, CMOS CCDs and the list goes on. Apple would have to be able to manage such a diverse product line or start selling off pieces or turn the business around

 

[chfilm]

Guys, apple just invested money in sharp for them I'm order to develop thei IGZO technology further, cause apple wanted it for their devices and other companies didn't have it but sharp was almost going out of business...

https://www.google.de/search?q=appl...&hl=de&client=safari#hl=de&q=apple sharp IGzo

Now they use this tech everywhere!

 

[maflynn]

investing in them is not the same as buying them, and its in their best interest to help keep them afloat Supposedly Apple invested 2 billion dollars back in 2012.

 

[Apple fanboy]

The iMicrowave! That will sell. I'd buy one (as long as it is shinny and has an logo on it).