Sharp Sees Collaboration With Japan Display
Sharp president Tai Jeng-wu said that his company might seek a strategic collaboration with Japan Display Inc (JDI) to build an alliance against South Korean display suppliers Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics.
"We can work together, but there is one condition: Sharp must lead the alliance," , Sharp president Tai Jeng-wu told a news conference in Taipei.
Tai said Sharp has not yet officially approached JDI regarding the proposal, due to concerns of possible antitrust violations.
However, there are ways for Sharp to avoid breaking the law, he said.
"Otherwise, how could [South Korean chipmaker] SK Hynix join the bid to acquire Toshiba's memory chip business"; Tai asked.
"Sharp cannot spend hundreds of billions of yen to fight against Samsung or LG alone, as we will definitely lose the game," he said.
Tai added that Sharp is evaluating the feasibility of investing in the U.S., although the company does not plan to acquire Vizio Inc, the US' second-largest television manufacturer.
Tai's remarks came amid rumors that Sharp is interested in buying Vizio with help from Hon Hai.