Sharp is rumoured to possibly get an OEM deal with HP to make copier machines.
Chicago Tribune reported on the rumours from “a source familiar with the matter”, which outlined that Sharp “may get” an OEM (original equipment manufacturing) deal to manufacture copier machines under HP’s brand.
The source noted that “supply of copiers to [HP] could begin as early as the second half of the current business year” ending in March 2014, and declined to be identified “because a formal deal had yet to be signed” by the two OEMs.
The rumours come after Samsung’s attempts to co-opt Sharp’s printer and copier businesses with its own, starting with it becoming Sharp’s largest shareholder and buying a stake in Sharp. Sharp rejected the offer from Samsung to buy both its printer and copier units before calling off the fledging joint copier business plans that Samsung had suggested.