Foxconn, Apple consider investment in Sharp LCD display business
Summary: Foxconn has proposed the buyout, which would give Sharp the chance to offload a failing unit. Foxconn may acquire Sharp's LCD business as the manufacturer moves into electronics. As reported by Asian publication Nikkei on Monday , manufacturer Foxconn, also known as Hon Hai, is considering the purchase of Sharp's liquid crystal display (LCD) business. According to sources familiar with the matter, the Taiwanese manufacturer and Sharp have been in talks since last summer, and would involve a majority stake investment by Foxconn -- together with investment by Apple. In addition, Foxconn hopes to secure the Japanese electronic giant's 38 percent stake in Sakai Display Products. Founded in 2009, SDP is a joint venture run by Sharp and SIO International Holdings Limited, an investment firm fully owned by Foxconn chairman Terry Gou. The company develops LCD panels suitable for large screens.