Is Apple planning to buy Sony?

TOKYO, JAPAN: Shares of Sony Corp rose nearly 3 per cent at one stage on Tuesday as traders cited media reports speculating that the Japanese electronics maker could be a potential acquisition target of Apple Inc.

There were speculations that cash-flush Apple may make a major acquisition after CEO Steve Jobs hinted at investing in a new 'strategic opportunity', and that could be Sony or Electronic Arts (EA). A Saturday report in Barron's noted that the big acquisition could be Adobe, Sony and Disney.

Sony spokeswoman Sue Tanaka said: "We cannot comment on rumours or speculation."

During an October 18 conference call with investors and reporters following Apple's latest earnings announcement, CEO Steve Jobs was asked what the company would do with its $51 billion in cash.

"We would like to continue to keep our powder dry, because we do feel that there are one or more strategic opportunities in the future," Jobs said.

Some analysts were sceptical about the feasibility of a buy-out.

"If Apple tries to buy the whole of Sony, it will be a hostile takeover, and that will probably not succeed in Japan," said one analyst in Tokyo, who declined to be named.

"I don't think Sony would want to join hands with Apple since it is working with Google to compete against Apple," he added.

Sony shares closed up 0.7 percent at 2,742 yen after climbing as high as 2,804 yen. Trading volume was 17.61 million shares, the highest since July 30, the day after the company surprised the market with a quarterly profit and raised its full-year profit outlook.