Apple Invests In Samsung LCD Production

In another sign of consolidation in the LCD industry, Apple Computer Inc. today said it will invest $100 million in Samsung Semiconductor Inc. to help expand Samsung's TFT LCD capacity.

Apple's investment comes only two days after Philips Flat Display Systems, San Jose, Calif., and LG Electronics, Seoul, South Korea, finalized their previously announced agreement. Under that deal, Philips will invest about $1.6 billion in LG's wholly owned LCD business, LG LCD.

Apple's investment in Samsung will help ensure the Cupertino, Calif. based notebook PC manufacturer has access to an adequate supply of TFT LCD displays for its systems, the company said in a statement.