Via sells its stake in S3 Graphics to HTC

[CarstenS]

300 Million US-Dollars go from HTC roughly 50/50 to Via and WTI:
http://www.via.com.tw/en/resources/pressroom/pressrelease.jsp?press_release_no=5687

What's strange though:
"The transaction would allow VIA to monetize a portion of its rich IP portfolio, yet retain its graphics capabilities to support the development and sale of its processors and chipsets," said Tzu-mu Lin, Senior Vice President and Board Director of VIA. "We wish to thank WTI for its capital contribution to support S3 Graphics since 2005."

How's that?

 

[Deleted member 13524]

Could someone try to explain what's the point of HTC buying a GPU maker for x86 CPUs?

Unless they're also planning to buy an ARM licensee afterwards, I really don't get it.

 

[Arun]

It's just a patent play (mostly to try to counter Apple) and they're really only shuffling money around companies partially owned by the same people. VIA's CEO Wen Chi Chen is the husband of HTC's Chairwoman Cher Wang, and Cher Wang is also a major shareholder of WTI - in fact, they are the richest people in Taiwan today according to Forbes.

 

[CarstenS]

HTC's Chairwoman Cher Wang

If I had known that, it would have made sense to me too. Thanks for clearing it up, Arun!

 

[Deleted member 13524]

It's just a patent play (mostly to try to counter Apple) and they're really only shuffling money around companies partially owned by the same people. VIA's CEO Wen Chi Chen is the husband of HTC's Chairwoman Cher Wang, and Cher Wang is also a major shareholder of WTI - in fact, they are the richest people in Taiwan today according to Forbes.

Wow, like a soap opera!

 

[Psikotiko]

It will be interesting to see what the regulatory entities will say about this stake bought by HTC.

 

[pcchen]

Right now VIA up 7% and HTC down 7% (7% is the daily limit).