Sharp has been struggling for years and now chatter from Japan indicates that there's a bidding war going on for the ailing company. Interestingly, Foxconn is said to have made a $5.1 billion bid. Sharp is one of Apple's main display suppliers and, of course, Foxconn is Apple's one of primary manufacturers. Foxconn chairman Terry Gou bought 38% of Sharp's LCD business back in 2012. The Chinese company isn't alone though, the Innovation Network Corporation of Japan (a state-controlled fund) has also made an offer. The dollar amount isn't clear and it may turn out not to matter - the INCJ is interested in keeping Sharp ownership inside Japan (Sharp lenders allegedly want the same thing). The fund has already invested in Japan Display Inc - a joint operation of former Sony, Toshiba and Hitachi businesses. Speaking of, INCJ may also be interested in buying the electric appliances division of Toshiba. This could be part of a larger plan to pull another JDI and combine the electric appliances of Sharp and Toshiba. Back in 2013 Samsung made a $111 investment in Sharp (buying 3%) as it too sources parts from the Japanese company but so far Samsung's name isn't mentioned in the bidding...
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