Samsung has invested $110 million (10.4 billion JPY) in Sharp’s LCD-making business in a move that could impact Apple’s supply of iPhone and iPad screens. The Korean giant secured itself 3.08% of the voting rights in Sharp, with the Japanese company issuing new shares through a third party allotment to Samsung Electronics Japan.
At the same time, Samsung has established a capital alliance with Sharp to “continuously provide a long-term, stable and timely supply” of LCD panels for mobile devices, tablets, laptop computers and TV sets.
Aside from Apple, Sharp is also supplying its LCD panels to Samsung and other smartphone and tablet makers (as well as manufacturers of computers and TVs).
It’s still unclear how this alliance could impact Apple but it’s likely Samsung will want to have as many tools as possible at its disposal to win in the smartphone game. We’ll let you know as soon as we hear something new to add to this story…
[Via: MobileWorldLive]