A new fear of Japan: Fujitsu deal for British company stirs concerns about computer domination

Article Abstract:

Fujitsu Ltd's plan to acquire 80 percent of ICL PLC, Britain's largest computer company, rouses new fears that the Japanese will dominate in microelectronics. Some see the ICL deal as the beginning of a consolidation of the computer industry worldwide, arguing that such a consolidation will benefit Japan. Only Japan's electronics companies, they say, have the money needed for increasingly costly research and development. And computer manufacturers can no longer stay competitive without high-volume, low-cost components needed to produce competitive products. According to Charles H. Ferguson of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), US and European companies face a choice: cooperate or be vassals of Japanese competitors. By the end of the decade, warns Ferguson, 'Japan could dominate world hardware markets.'

Electronic Components and Accessories, United Kingdom, Research, Mergers, acquisitions and divestments, International aspects, Electronics industry, Electronics, Japanese foreign relations, British foreign relations, Acquisition, International, ICL PLC (London, England), Ferguson, Charles H.

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Fujitsu woes start inquiry by Japanese

Article Abstract:

The Japanese Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) opens an investigation of unfair trading practices in the computer industry after disclosures that Fujitsu Ltd won four major government contracts with bids ranging from three quarters of a cent to $71. The disclosures seem to support the US contention to Japanese companies will take enormous short-term losses in order to block competitors from the market. Fujitsu would design municipal computer systems throughout Japan that only operated using Fujitsu equipment, thus locking out any other company from providing services or products to the system. MITI warns Fujitsu Pres Takuma Yamamoto that this practice of underbidding invites international criticism, is 'ethically questionable' and is possibly illegal.

Unfair competition (Commerce), Unfair competition, Japan. Ministry of International Trade and Industry, Government Contracts, Competitive Bidding

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Hitachi drawn into stock market scandal; Nomura's favors extend beyond the financial industry

Article Abstract:

Hitachi Ltd, one of Japan's largest computer and electronic companies, is involved in a spreading stock market scandal in that country. Hitachi is accused of receiving $23 million from Nomura Securities Company to make up for losses that Hitachi sustained when the market turned down in 1990. Hitachi admits receiving the money, but denies knowledge of wrongdoing. Hitachi's involvement is especially significant because it means the scandal has now spread beyond the securities industry and into industrial companies. Some observers believe the scandal has revealed that small investors have been bearing the brunt of the financial risks in the Tokyo stock market, and large companies, such as Hitachi, have apparently been protected against losses.

Security brokers and dealers, Stock-exchange, Stock exchanges, Securities industry, Ethical aspects, Nomura Securities Company Ltd., Hitachi Ltd., Stock markets, Legal Issues, Stock Market, Investigation

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