Apple moves to shut down cloners of Mac Line
Article Abstract:
Apple announced that it acquired the license and most assets of the largest Macintosh cloner, Power Computing, for stock valued at $100 million. Apple also declined to license new technology to other Macintosh cloners who eventually will be forced out of business. Both moves, influenced by Apple director and co-founder Steve Jobs, represent a reversal of Apple's licensing policy initiated in 1995. Jobs believes the cloners were paying insufficient license fees and were failing to attract new Mac customers. Apple likely will boost short-term profits and market share, but some Mac cloners and software developers probably will view the licensing turnaround as a betrayal. Among the Power assets acquired by Apple are the Macintosh license, customer lists and product designs; and key personnel who implemented power's manufacturing and marketing system. Jobs said Motorola, Umax Data Systems and IBM sub-licensees were some of the cloners who declined to pay significantly higher fees for Apple's future technology.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1997
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Apple to stress high-end PCs, plans layoffs
Article Abstract:
Apple is expected to announce significant restructuring plans that include a new strategic approach to the Macintosh computer as well as substantial employee layoffs in the wake of the company's reported $68 million 4th qtr 1995 loss. Analysts anticipate that Apple will concentrate on higher-end computing supplies for home, education and corporate applications, refocusing its marketing division to better support each strategic facet. Speculation persists that Apple's board of directors is preparing to remove beleaguered CEO Michael Spindler, the health of whom has been cast into doubt by published comments from Apple Chmn A.C. Markkula. Analysts suggest that Apple's primary hope for a restoration of profitability rests with the company's ability to hone its marketing and development efforts in its core areas of the DTP, home and education markets.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1996
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AST Research to sell stake to Samsung
Article Abstract:
Samsung Electronics is planning to purchase a 40.25% stake in AST Research for $377.5 million. The investment, which provides nearly $250 million in new equity, will allow AST to resolve a cash problem and is the first major foreign investment in a large domestic personal computer company. AST had a loss of $62.2 million in the first half of its fiscal year and the investment helps the company solve many of its financial problems. The agreement also forces AST CEO Safi Qureshey to give up a significant amount of control over the company. AST hopes that the investment will also provide some strategic benefits. AST is planning to purchase more Samsung components and will jointly develop and license other products.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1995
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