• Home
  • Latest
  • Fortune 500
  • Finance
  • Tech
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia
TechWorld's Most Admired Companies

Apple In ‘Advanced Talks’ to Buy UK Company, Report Says

By
Don Reisinger
Don Reisinger
Down Arrow Button Icon
By
Don Reisinger
Don Reisinger
Down Arrow Button Icon
March 22, 2016, 11:25 AM ET
Apple Inc. Announces New iPhone And iPad Pro
Tim Cook, chief executive officer of Apple Inc., speaks during an Apple event in Cupertino, California, U.S., on Monday, March 21, 2016. Cook is expected to unveil a smaller iPhone Monday in attempt to woo those who are holding on to older versions. Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty ImagesDavid Paul Morris — Bloomberg via Getty Images

Update 12:38 p.m. ET: Apple has issued a statement, saying that it does not currently plan to acquire Imagination Technologies. Click here for Fortune’s follow-up article.

Apple could be on the lookout for another acquisition.

Apple (AAPL) is currently in “advanced talks” to acquire UK-based processor maker Imagination Technologies, ArsTechnica is reporting, citing sources. The technology news site did not say how much Apple would be willing to pay for Imagination Technologies, though as of market close on Monday, Imagination Technologies’ market cap stood at 508.7 million pounds (approximately $723.8 million).

Imagination Technologies makes several components designed for everything from communications to processing power. However, the company’s most notable product is its PowerVR graphical processing unit, which has been used by Apple for the last several years in its iPhones and iPads. Acquiring Imagination Technologies would bring the design of graphical processors in-house and give Apple far more control over the graphical capabilities built into its mobile devices.

Get Data Sheet, Fortune’s technology newsletter.

The time might be ripe for Apple to make a move. Imagination announced in February that it had planned to reduce its operating costs substantially in 2016 as it faces increasing competition from companies in a wide range of markets, including processors and the Internet of things. In addition, Imagination announced that its then-CEO Hossein Yassaie would step down to be replaced by interim chief executive Andrew Heath.

Imagination added in a statement on March 17 that it would focus its efforts on the PowerVR line, which has helped buoy its business despite trouble in other areas, and would consider selling its consumer electronics business Pure. In total, Imagination hopes to cut its costs in the next year by $39 million.

Shareholders have taken notice of Imagination’s troubles. Prior to news that Apple may consider acquiring the company, Imagination’s shares on the London Stock Exchange were down 17.3% in one year. On Tuesday, however, the company’s shares were up 18% on news of Apple considering an acquisition, boosting its market cap nearly $100 million.

For more about Apple, watch:

Apple is keenly aware of Imagination’s troubles. Not only does the company work with Imagination for its graphics components, but it also owns a stake in the UK-based firm. The company is said to have acquired a stake of nearly 10% of Imagination Technologies between 2008 and 2009.

Apple hasn’t commented yet on whether it’s interested in acquiring Imagination, and like its graphics partner, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

However, Apple has made some strategic acquisitions to improve its components operation in recent years. The company in 2013 acquired PrimeSense, an Israel-based semiconductor company, for $345 million to boost its processor-design operation. That followed a 2008 acquisition of Apple partner P.A. Semi for $278 million and a pick up in 2010 of semiconductor company Intrinsity for $121 million.

Here’s the One Surprise From Apple’s Event Yesterday

While it’s unclear what Apple would do with Imagination’s other businesses, it’s clear that the company could see value in Imagination’s PowerVR division. It’s unknown whether Apple would buy all of Imagination or just a slice. But given Imagination’s recent moves, it seems likely that the company is ready and willing to look at some deals, if offered.

Apple’s last-reported acquisition was in January, when it reportedly acquired Flyby Media, a company that makes augmented reality software.

About the Author
By Don Reisinger
See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon

Latest in Tech

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025

Most Popular

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Fortune Secondary Logo
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • World's Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
  • Lists Calendar
Sections
  • Finance
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Features
  • Leadership
  • Health
  • Commentary
  • Success
  • Retail
  • Mpw
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
  • CEO Initiative
  • Asia
  • Politics
  • Conferences
  • Europe
  • Newsletters
  • Personal Finance
  • Environment
  • Magazine
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
  • Group Subscriptions
About Us
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • Facebook icon
  • Twitter icon
  • LinkedIn icon
  • Instagram icon
  • Pinterest icon

Latest in Tech

vegan cheese
AITech
A Mark Cuban-backed vegan cheese company trained AI to scrutinize cardboard boxes. It’s saved $400,000
By Jake AngeloMay 1, 2026
1 hour ago
Young trade worker learning on job
SuccessHiring
Forget Big Tech: Small businesses will hire nearly 1 million grads in 2026—and some of the hottest roles are gloriously AI-proof
By Emma BurleighMay 1, 2026
3 hours ago
Andrew McAfee
SuccessCareers
MIT AI expert warns automating Gen Z entry-level jobs could backfire—and cost companies their future workforce
By Preston ForeMay 1, 2026
3 hours ago
duke
Big TechAmazon
Amazon Prime Video reaches deal with Duke Blue Devils to air 3 games per season
By The Associated PressMay 1, 2026
5 hours ago
valerie
CommentaryLayoffs
Tesla’s former HR chief: the AI layoff panic Is built on a false premise—here’s what most workers need to know
By Valerie Capers WorkmanMay 1, 2026
5 hours ago
AI
AIdisruption
Meet the Americans dismissing AI hype and using it with ingenuity: ‘The efficiencies gained out of it have been tremendous’
By Cathy Bussewitz and The Associated PressMay 1, 2026
5 hours ago

Most Popular

China dominates the world's lithium supply. The U.S. just found 328 years' worth in its own backyard
North America
China dominates the world's lithium supply. The U.S. just found 328 years' worth in its own backyard
By Jake AngeloApril 30, 2026
1 day ago
Accenture's Julie Sweet blew up 50 years of company history. She says the hardest part is still ahead
Conferences
Accenture's Julie Sweet blew up 50 years of company history. She says the hardest part is still ahead
By Nick LichtenbergApril 29, 2026
2 days ago
The U.S. economy is booming — just not where 50 million Americans live
Commentary
The U.S. economy is booming — just not where 50 million Americans live
By Derek KilmerMay 1, 2026
9 hours ago
Apple cofounder Ronald Wayne—whose stake would be worth up to $400 billion had he not sold it in 1976—says that at 91, he has no regrets
Success
Apple cofounder Ronald Wayne—whose stake would be worth up to $400 billion had he not sold it in 1976—says that at 91, he has no regrets
By Preston ForeApril 27, 2026
4 days ago
Scott Bessent on financial literacy: 'it drives me crazy' to see young men in blue-collar construction jobs playing the lottery
Personal Finance
Scott Bessent on financial literacy: 'it drives me crazy' to see young men in blue-collar construction jobs playing the lottery
By Fatima Hussein and The Associated PressMay 1, 2026
5 hours ago
Exclusive: America's largest Black-owned bank launches podcast with mission to unlock hidden shame holding back generational wealth
Banking
Exclusive: America's largest Black-owned bank launches podcast with mission to unlock hidden shame holding back generational wealth
By Nick LichtenbergApril 29, 2026
2 days ago

© 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.