Fujitsu and Lenovo have announced that they will collaborate in the PC market, weeks after rumours surfaced that the two might merge.
The two electronics companies announced that they were exploring “strategic cooperation” in research, development, design and manufacturing of PCs for the global market.
The details of the cooperation are currently being discussed by the companies.
The model will aim to combine Fujitsu’s sales, customer support, R&D and manufacturing capabilities with Lenovo’s operational capabilities.
Fujitsu said that it will continue to offer branded Fujitsu PC products as well as sales support for customers and channel partners.
The announcement follows rumours of Lenovo acquiring Fujitsu that saw shares in the latter jump more than 7 percent. According to the reports by Japanese newspaper The Nikkei, the takeover deal could have been completed as early as October.
Fujitsu said at the time: “Since yesterday, there have been media reports concerning Fujitsu’s PC business. These reports are not based on any official announcement made by Fujitsu.
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“In February of this year, Fujitsu split off its PC business and is currently considering various possibilities, including what is being reported, but a decision has not yet been made. Fujitsu will promptly announce matters that require disclosure as they arise.”
On 1 February 2016, Fujitsu’s Japan PC business was transferred to FCCL, a newly established subsidiary.
Since then, Fujitsu has been considering options to continue the growth of the PC business.
The deal with Lenovo follows initial talks which Fujitsu held with Toshiba and Sony. The three companies were reportedly considering a merger of all three businesses, creating a business which would potentially control over 30 percent of the Japanese PC market, overtaking Lenovo. The deal, however, fell through when an agreement could not be reached.
The two companies are also in talks with Development Bank of Japan for financial and strategic support.
