Apple By Matthew Humphries Feb. 20, 2014 7:29 am
Earlier this week it was rumored that Apple’s head of acquisitions had met with Elon Musk last year about a possible acquisition. It was thought to be a big deal for Apple because Tim Cook decided to turn up for the meeting, too.
This obviously led to Elon Musk being asked directly this week if he had met with Apple about a possible merger. After initially saying he couldn’t comment, Musk admitted that yes, meetings had occurred with Apple, but he wouldn’t say what they were actually about.
Sure, Apple may have been interested in acquiring Tesla, and I gave some examples as to why a few days ago. But there’s a number of other reasons why a meeting may have happened. iOS integration with Tesla vehicles, a possible tie-up on certain types of tech. Both companies rely heavily on rechargeable batteries, for example.
If Musk had confirmed Apple meetings with Tim Cook present, then we’d be more certain that acquisition talks had probably taken place. But for now, and according to Musk, there’s no scenario where such a deal would benefit the company. He’s not ruling out one in the future, though, and possibly after Tesla vehicles have become mass market, affordable forms of transport.
With Google focusing on driverless cars, and already heavily involved in mapping technology, you can see why Apple would be showing an interest in a car company. Even if Tesla isn’t on the market now, Apple could be playing the long game, establishing a relationship they hope will grow, and then maybe, eventually attempting to acquire the company.
[Image courtesy of pestoverde on Flickr]
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This obviously led to Elon Musk being asked directly this week if he had met with Apple about a possible merger. After initially saying he couldn’t comment, Musk admitted that yes, meetings had occurred with Apple, but he wouldn’t say what they were actually about.
Sure, Apple may have been interested in acquiring Tesla, and I gave some examples as to why a few days ago. But there’s a number of other reasons why a meeting may have happened. iOS integration with Tesla vehicles, a possible tie-up on certain types of tech. Both companies rely heavily on rechargeable batteries, for example.
If Musk had confirmed Apple meetings with Tim Cook present, then we’d be more certain that acquisition talks had probably taken place. But for now, and according to Musk, there’s no scenario where such a deal would benefit the company. He’s not ruling out one in the future, though, and possibly after Tesla vehicles have become mass market, affordable forms of transport.
With Google focusing on driverless cars, and already heavily involved in mapping technology, you can see why Apple would be showing an interest in a car company. Even if Tesla isn’t on the market now, Apple could be playing the long game, establishing a relationship they hope will grow, and then maybe, eventually attempting to acquire the company.
[Image courtesy of pestoverde on Flickr]
More...
