Asustek Computer is interested in acquiring another motherboard specialist Gigabyte Technology, which shows better strength in distribution, according to sources in the Taiwan motherboard industry. Asustek's possible merger with Gigabyte is aimed to face rising competition from EMS provider Foxconn Electronics (the registered trade name of Hon Hai Precision Industry), whose motherboard shipments have drawn near the leading motherboard maker, indicated the sources.
Both Asustek and Gigabyte refuted the merger rumors at the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TSE) on August 4. To date, there is no plan about a merger that involves Asustek and Gigabyte, the two motherboard makers clarified in their respective filings with the TSE.
In 2005, Foxconn shipped 40 million motherboards, and 32 million units were OEM shipments. Asustek shipped 52 million motherboards. This year, Foxconn's shipment target for own-brand motherboards was set the nine-million mark, and OEM shipments are also expected to increase.
Asustek is aware of Foxconn's threat that comes from the EMS maker's large-scale financial support and intends to consolidate Gigabyte to secure its leading position in the motherboard industry, market sources observed. If Asustek merges with Gigabyte, the combined company's motherboard shipments may amount to 78 million units in 2006, the sources said. The merger will also help Asustek grab a 45% share of the worldwide motherboard market, by consolidating Gigabyte's strength in the distribution segment and enhancing its high-end portfolio in the own-brand business, the sources noted.
As reported on March 28, Gigabyte already dismissed rumors that the company had been in talks of a merger with Micro-Star International (MSI). Earlier this year, Gigabyte announced that its gross margins dropped below 10% in the first quarter. The motherboard maker's sequential decreases in gross margin since 2003 have been attributed to pressure from industry price wars.
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