Analysts look for fit in Samsung bid for AST.(Samsung Electronics Co. to purchase AST Research)

HFN: The Weekly Newspaper for the Home Furnishing Network, February, 1997 by Richards, Kathleen

IRVINE, Cal. -- Samsung's bid to buy outright the ailing computer maker AST Research came as no surprise to analysts, but they're still waiting to see how the companies fit.

Samsung Electronics Co. last week offered $5.10 a share to buy the 51 percent of AST that it doesn't already own. The offer is valued at $469 million. AST traded at $4.75 late last week.

The $24 billion Samsung Electronics Co., which first invested in AST in 1995, has provided ongoing financial and operational support. AST has reported losses since June of 1995. For the year through Dec. 28, AST posted sales of $2.1 billion, down 10 percent, and a loss of $417.7 million.

The acquisition would give AST, based here, access to Samsung's resources, which it needs to turn its business...

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