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Speculation of an Apple Acquisition Drives Sony's Stock Price Up

Weirdest rumour ever.. I can't see Sony and Apple working together without serious issues. But if it did ever happen (not a hope in hell);

I really like both companies for their strengths/weaknesses.. Sonys eccentricity is so unlike Apples cool calculated approach - but sometimes it results in some of the most interesting tech. Sony always struck me as the equivalent of a mad scientist with their robot dogs, stupidly powerful consoles nobody understands, handheld computers nobody really asked for etc (ux series).

I'd actually hate to see them go down the Apple route and start making more sense. When Sony hits gold with hardware Its so often by thinking outside the box. They're more like when Jobs was absent from Apple with Newtons, printers, cameras etc.. I wouldn't want to see Sonys products and research given a similar Jobsian massacre.
 
just because Apple shareholders demand that AAPL does smth with their 51bn stack of cash, we will now hear a new takeover rumor every day.... Sony, Disney, Facebook, Adobe, am sure the list will go on.... tomorrow Netflix? any other company?

Am sure we'll hear a long list of take over rumors until they do get rid of their cash reserves....
 
Cash For Adobe

Apple, please buy Adobe with some of the cash and make it what it ought to be for the rest of us.
 
An Apple/Sony merger (that is how the Japanese would see it) would be entertaining to watch, but much more sensible would be bringing Adobe into the Apple fold. Apple would have the power to bring 100% Apple hardware and software back to the publishing, advertising and graphics industry.

What they will probably do though, is acquire Disney (and with it ABC), this will give them complete control over a lot of content, for their mobile and TV devices.
 
Package Deal

If Apple were to purchase Sony, they would get no less than:

1. Sony Pictures -- studios, distribution
2. Sony Music -- might upset other labels with Apple's iTunes. This would also conflict with Apple Records (Beatles) who for years fought Apple (Apple Computer) over the ability to use the name "Apple" AND record (even voice, but especially music). So, Apple is most likely STILL legally forbidden from being in the music recording business.
3. Sony Electronics -- PlayStation, HDTV, BluRay, cameras, VAIO PCs, etc

If Apple were to purchase Disney, they would get no less than:

1. Disney
2. ABC
3. Touchstone (I think...)

However, Apple's "best" move would be to work on re-vamping the business model of Apple TV. The current iTunes business model does not work and will continue to not work for television. That business model being the requirement for users to purchase each episode of television shows and/or each episode of a cable show (e.g., Sopranos) and/or movies one at a time.

Cable and satellite have a business model of packages -- and these bundled packages provide users with more channels that they really watch. There are Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum packages ... and in order to receive a few channels you really want, you must purchase the Gold or Platinum package.

Therefore, there is an OPPORTUNITY to BREAK this with a business model that is a hybrid of the two business models: iTunes and cable/satellite. That would be one where users Build Your Own Bundle (BYOB). Users would make their own package of channels and pay for them on a monthly basis.

Such a new business model of BYOB will break the barriers -- just as iTunes allowed users the ability to purchase single tracks from albums for $.99 each -- something that could not be done prior to iTunes.

Jobs said it many years ago that when users watch tv, they an inactive and they are basically relaxing. So, interactive tv was never going to take off ... and 15 years later he's still correct. Therefore, this is why I believe iTunes business model is great for music, but not for television. People don't mind choosing channels they like, but to be required to pick and choose and purchase each and every show they want to watch -- that is not user friendly for someone who just wants to sit down and channel surf until they find something they like ... then perhaps surf some more. However, to have to pay to watch each show ... that's breaking the surf. Not a good user experience and the reason why iTunes business model for Apple TV is not taking off.

In addition, Apple's 24 hour rental policy for Apple TV is also flawed, such as for children who want to watch a movie several times. It would be better if the rental period were extended to 7 days ... or a Netflix type of deal where perhaps someone could pay $20/month for 3 movies to be kept on Apple TV DVR (that currently does not exist) and the parents could watch 1 new movie and have 2 for kids stored, then swap-out 1 for another as time goes on.

I for one pay for DirecTV -- and it includes cartoon channels I don't watch but pay for. Ironically, my package includes several Sirius music channels but I do not listen to music when I sit in front of the tv. However, when I'm in my Mitsubishi Outlander, my stereo system can connect to Sirius satellite, but they want to charge me to use it! As stated before, I'm paying for Sirius music in my home, where I don't use it, but where I do want to use it -- in my car (where I don't watch tv, but do listen to music) I can't listen to something that I've paid for.

Therefore, a better candidate for Apple takeover: DirecTV, Dish Network, or Comcast.
 
Wouldn't Samsung be a better target I'd think? You know, Flash memory and all. Apple buys that stuff in incredible amounts.
 
Strong yen

The fact that the yen is so strong really puts the kibosh on this deal, Apple's reserves(probably mostly in dollars though I doubt they release their currency mix publicly) means that trying to buy enough yen on the market to buy Sony would be next to impossible.
 
Great idea, Sony is filled with proprietary crap (ex: The Minolta Hotshoe on their DSLRs, UMDs, Memory Sticks, etc.).
 
I don't think Apple will buy Facebook. The reasons are simple: 1) I have major doubts that Mark Zuckerberg wants to be a toadie for Steve Jobs, 2) Apple does not want to resolve the numerous privacy issues involved with Facebook and 3) because Facebook has such a huge presence on the Internet, antitrust issues could surface.

I wonder has Apple considered merging with TiVo, though. A merger with TiVo means Apple could build a device that would in effect become an Apple TV device and a device to record shows over-air/cable TV at the same time--and Apple could overhaul the TiVo interface to be easier to use.
 
SactoGuy18 said:
I don't think Apple will buy Facebook. The reasons are simple: 1) I have major doubts that Mark Zuckerberg wants to be a toadie for Steve Jobs, 2) Apple does not want to resolve the numerous privacy issues involved with Facebook and 3) because Facebook has such a huge presence on the Internet, antitrust issues could surface.

I wonder has Apple considered merging with TiVo, though. A merger with TiVo means Apple could build a device that would in effect become an Apple TV device and a device to record shows over-air/cable TV at the same time--and Apple could overhaul the TiVo interface to be easier to use.
Click to expand...

Tivo is just a device which supports the existing model of broadcast television distribution.

If Apple is to spend $50B is will be to completely upend the market and redefine it.

This is why Apple did not buy a CD-pressing plant when it got in music distribution. Or copy Nokia's portfolio when it got into mobile handset.

C.
 
daneoni said:
Why would they do that? Apple arguably makes better computers, phones and music players. So whats the benefit? Home entertainment systems, Sony Music? or Games consoles?

I call BS. I don't see the fit.
Click to expand...


Simple: you are right about computers. The acquisition would almost certainly result in the closing down of Sony's PC division.

However Apple have finally changed their approach to Apple TV and they are not dropping the hobby. The reality is that seemless integration with all media is the way of the future and breaking into the TV and games consul market is just too hard. SJ admitted as much in an interview last year.

However, if Apple buys Sony, they instantly have a large footprint in the sector that they want. They start to integrate iOS into TVs, Media Servers, PS4, etc, and all those people that are currently buying macs because they love the seemlessness of Apple's offering, will swerve towards Sony TVs and devices for the same reason. And Sony is seen as the high quality, affordable luxury brand in that market. Affordable luxury being the key.

Hey presto, before you know it, you entire media life is provided by Apple.

OK: so Sony TVs still require input from media stations, but let's forward plan a little. In 5 to 10 years real-time streaming of TV will become viable. Then how do Sky (UK) and others compete? Apple will already be the port of call for people buying music and if their solution is fully integrated, people will flock to their TV offering as well - it's just too easy and fuss free.

Advertising revenue is falling and pay per view makes more sense. Apple future proofs the entertainment sector by reducing its dependence on advertising. We all have a solution and the entertainment industry finally finds the solution to the digital age. 95% of people don't pirate because of the hassle. Those same people just want convenience. They will follow into this new world.

So, all hail Apple: king of the home entertainment and consumer electronic sectors. I see a $500b company only 5-8 years away.

Only Google can stop them, because, other than Apple, only google can conceive of and deliver holistic solutions and even then, they are not as good and are starting from the rear. This is not a case of a new boy coming in where the old boy is no longer seeing the big picture, as per google and MS. This is 2 forward thinking, bleeding edge organisations fighting for the future and Apple has the headstart. If Apple keeps the war limited to 1 front (phones), it will lose. If Apple opens up new fronts, then it can win. It has to do it now, before Android takes too bug a chunk out of the iPhone's side, reducing Apple's credibility in the market. Strike whilst the iron is hot and all that.
 
sony electronics are frankensteins like all the other brands. just a bit more features. third parties make the important components like the chips and screens and sony just puts it together and designs the final product.

apple should just buy someone like Vizio
 
Adobe makes more sense. Sony for one has too many product lines that will have to be cut. Unless Apple intends to leave the Sony brand alone it goes against the very tightly controlled product lines that Apple has. Not to mention Sony despite its floundering in the past decade or so is still one of the crown jewels of Japanese electronics. Will not go down well with the public.
 
I can see this happening...Sony has some strong pattens on 3D technology, LED TV and home entertainment, and Video game technology. Apple can get rid of the Vaio computers. Great way for apple to start making their way into the online TV and video game market. The VAIO s pretty much a wanna be of Apple.
 
USApple

Although it might be a poor investment for them, I kind of think that Apple should buy the United States. Sitting here, I really like the idea of the US:apple:
 
Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPod; CPU iPhone OS 5_0_1 like Mac OS X) AppleWebKit/534.46 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.1 Mobile/9A405 Safari/7534.48.3)

51 billion, hmm... How many train loads of paper is this! A thousand? Is their cash in paper, not gold?
 
andreiru said:

51 billion, hmm... How many train loads of paper is this! A thousand? Is their cash in paper, not gold?
Click to expand...


You do know that you're posting to a thread that's over a year old? :confused: And as of late Jan, Apple now has $97B cash on hand. dave
 
Xeperu said:
Wouldn't Samsung be a better target I'd think? You know, Flash memory and all. Apple buys that stuff in incredible amounts.
Click to expand...

There's no way in hxxl S Korean govt would allow that. Samsung directly and indirectly contributes about 20% of the GDP. And the nation is pretty up there in GDP ranking.
 
andreiru said:
Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPod; CPU iPhone OS 5_0_1 like Mac OS X) AppleWebKit/534.46 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.1 Mobile/9A405 Safari/7534.48.3)

51 billion, hmm... How many train loads of paper is this! A thousand? Is their cash in paper, not gold?
Click to expand...

Do you think Apple keeps their cash in paper money in some office? Really? And when they pay for something in cash, Tim Cook writes a check or shows up with a van loaded with cash????

They aren't drug dealers you know, the term "cash on hand" in business doesn't mean physically ON HAND!! Lol
 
Unlikely

Apple wouldn't willingly waste its money on a big-name corporation when they're well-noted for selecting highly-focused companies with a very distinctive technology that would advance Apple as a whole. Sony, Samsung, even Panasonic couldn't give Apple the kind of ROI that a tiny chip-design company or gestures-technology company could offer. No, if Apple decided to 'think big', I'd expect them to develop an end-to-end manufacturing solution where they wouldn't have to worry about Industrial Espionage or Labor Relations squawks.
 
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