It's still firmly in the realm of rumour, but Cambridge-based ARM is rumoured to be the target of a potential acquisition by Apple.
ARM-designed chips are becoming a common sight in today's gadgets and the UK company is one of the country's biggest tech success stories.
The link to Apple has rippled across both the news sphere and the market, although some analysts already questioning its validity.
£3 billion
Apple bought chip specialists PA Semi in 2008, and used its designs in the current gadget sensation the iPad.
With ARM likely to cost over £3 billion, the acquisition would represent a massive financial risk for Apple.
The fact that ARM is even being talked as a potential target for Apple is testament to the growth the company has made in recent years.
Shares in the chip designer rose 1.8 per cent to 243p as news of the link circulated.
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resis
April 27th 2010
5. @mobius, yep I knew that but that IMO was "Good Apple" as a partner firm - today I see "Bad Apple" as a wannabe 100% owner trying to lock out rivals from ARM technology. Smart business sense, but "evil" >-(
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mobius
April 23rd 2010
4. @d4lien, @resis, you are aware that ARM was created by Apple and Acorn and used to be owned by them? If anything this is pretty much just a buy-back.
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resis
April 22nd 2010
3. Oh dear, please let this not be true - I've been a huge ARM fan since Acorn Computer used them in their Archimedes machines (now they were great computers...). Apple getting their fingers into this pie would not be welcomed by many I'm sure!
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technobrakes
April 22nd 2010
2. ARM are you crazy ?
think of your paintants, your chips are essential to lots of manufacturers. Look at the news what have they done to make you think twice.
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d4lien
April 22nd 2010
1. I actually think this is a sad story as another UK company transfers its ownership and control overseas...
As a country we can do pretty much nothing for ourselves anymore.
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