Samsung to purchase five percent share of Wacom for $58.2M
updated 12:27 pm EST, Thu January 31, 2013
Graphics tablet firm to use funds for Samsung part production
Samsung is buying a stake in Japanese digitizer and graphics tablet firm Wacom, effectively ensuring the use of the latter's technology in future Samsung mobile devices. The agreement sees the Korean electronics manufacturer take ownership of five percent of the company, in a deal that is valued at $58.2 million.
The purchase is a logical move for Samsung, considering the two companies have worked together in incorporating Wacom's technology into both the first- and second-generation of Galaxy Note, with the displays using the pressure-sensitive stylus. It has also been speculated that the Galaxy S IV, expected to be announced in the near future, will have a Note-style stylus for input, as well as normal finger-based controls.
According to a document supplied by Wacom, and picked up by Android Authority, the deal consists of Samsung buying 20,996 common shares from Wacom at a cost of 255,510 yen ($2,810) per share on February 19. Wacom will be using the proceeds to "invest in product development and manufacturing," specifically for parts being used in Samsung products.
