In a note to clients — as reported by “AppleInsider” (http://www.appleinsider.com) — Topeka Capital Markets analyst Brian White says Apple initially considered investing in Sharp’s LCD business for its [rumored] upcoming HDTV, but the company decided to let its Foxconn manufacturing partner have the job instead.
However, Foxconn bought a 10% stake in Sharp last month to help boost the company’s financially strapped LCD business. As part of the deal Foxconn will utilize Sharp’s LCD factory that opened in Sakai in 2009.
Reports out of the Far East suggest that Foxconn’s partnership with Sharp will give both companies an opportunity to produce IGZO displays for the rumored “iTV.” By teaming up, it is believed that both Foxconn and sharp have a better chance of receiving orders from Apple, says White.