(Nikkei BP Group)
(No.1 High-Tech News Site in Japanese)
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| Quanta Computer Seeks to Make TFT-LCDs with Japan, Korea Firms
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February 8, 1999 (TAIPEI) -- Quanta Computer Inc., Taiwan's largest maker
of notebook PCs, said it is evaluating the possibility of investing
in thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) panel manufacturing
together with a Japanese or Korean company.
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Specifically, it hopes to invest with Sharp Corp., Samsung Electronics
Co., Ltd. or the LG Group.
Because such an investment would require at least NT$10 billion (US$310
million) in capital, Quanta Computer chairman Barry Lam said that the
company will opt for a form of joint investment with an experienced
partner. The idea is to avoid risks.
Quanta also is in talks with Inventec Corp., the third largest notebook
PC maker in Taiwan, on the TFT-LCD joint venture, according to industry
sources. However, Sharp has the advantage in technology. Meanwhile,
Samsung and LG have been the most aggressive in their efforts to do
business with Quanta.
Because the costs of TFT-LCD panels account for 30 percent-40 percent
of a notebook PC, and the price of the product is highly reliant on
supply conditions, computer makers all seek to secure stable supplies
of the devices.
Both the Acer Group and Compal Electronics Inc. have invested immense
amounts in the production of TFT-LCDs.
Acer Display Technology Inc. plans to begin producing such devices in
large volumes in July, with technology transferred from IBM Japan Ltd.
Apparently, Acer Display Technology will set aside half of its monthly
output to supply its parent company, Acer Inc.
Compal, on the other hand, holds a 3.5 percent share in HannStar Display
Corp., which is set to begin production of TFT-LCD panels later this
year. Also, the company has been negotiating a long-term partnership
contract with LG, in the hope of receiving a stable supply of LCD panels
from the Korean firm. Compal is said to have been evaluating the possibility
of investing in the production of color filters.
(Commercial Times, Taiwan)
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