While there has been zero word from Apple and a flat denial from McLaren that they are currently talking to each other about either a full or partial acquisition by the California tech giant, two separate news stories have cropped out alleging the opposite.
Both The Financial Times and The New York Times have published similar stories based on information - gained from various industry and internal sources - that Apple could be moving to acquire the British automotive firm within hours of each other.
Bloomberg, meanwhile, says that their interest in a large investment rather than an outright acquisition, with all three corroborating that talks have been ongoing for months. Of course, exactly what plans Apple has should this deal be more than smoke in the wind is a mystery but it is probably that the large well of advanced expertise pertinent to the automotive industry, especially with multi-material lightweight construction such as carbon fibre, high strength aluminium, and titanium.
It is important to also note that these are the types of talent and collective skill that Apple would likely need for an ambitious electric and intelligent car project that would require a lot of trial and error as well as time to otherwise gain.
McLaren also runs a successful consulting firm and technologies division that supplies engineering input and parts supplier to other automakers as well as to various motorsport teams.
The Financial Times reported pegged McLaren with a price tag of around 2 billion US Dollars should Apple want a full buyout. Either outcome would be likely to significantly accelerate the iPhone maker’s plans in the automotive space. Whatever they may be.
Despite McLaren’s claiming that they are currently not involved in talks with Apple, it should be taken with a grain of salt as, unlike Apple, they are a privately held company and are not under any legal obligation to divulge such tentative information.
More on this as it develops.
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