Thu, Jan 22, 2009 - Page 12 News List

Chip stocks jump on rumors of merger

DENIAL An NHK report that Elpida was in final talks for a merger with ProMOS and two other Taiwanese firms boosted local stocks. One of the firms denied the rumor

By Lisa Wang  /  STAFF REPORTER

Unnamed government officials suggested last week that ProMOS’ creditors, led by the Bank of Taiwan (臺灣銀行) and Taiwan Cooperative Bank (合作金庫銀行), continue financing local DRAM makers through a loan-equity conversion scheme.

But Bank of Taiwan chairwoman Susan Chang (張秀蓮) said yesterday that the state-owned bank had no interest in securing stocks of cash-strapped high-tech firms, including ProMOS, to ease their financial strain.

“If the bank were to invest, we would not consider non-financial businesses but consider options we’re familiar with,” Chang said.

Additional reporting by Crystal Hsu

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