There are rumors going around that Acer is planning on buying Fujitsu.  They’ve already bought eMachines, Gateway and Packard Bell.  Buying Fujitsu would do two things for Acer.

First, it would give them a footprint in Japan, where they feel they can sell more light and thin portable computers.  Second it will give Acer the ability to beat HP and gain the title of #1 in total global computer shipments.

In 2010 HP is expected to sell 45+ million units while Acer is only expected to sell around 40 million.  Adding Fujitsu will make the gap in sale much closer and may even allow them to surpass HP.  While it may seem that these rumors are coming out of nowhere hints have been dropped for a while.

Back in November 2009, Acer said that they would consider doing more purchases to help increase sales.  They said they wanted to make the purchase so it would increase awareness and sales in the Japan market.  Buying Fujitsu would do both for them.  There is no word on any firm offers being made but I’d be surprised if we didn’t hear something by May to make sure the deal closes in the 2010 fiscal year allowing Acer to combine Fujitsu’s sales with their own.

[Source: Digitimes, here and here]

1. Would You Buy A $600 Netbook?

2. 2010 Netbook Buying Guide: Part 3 – Where To Buy

3. 3 Reasons Acer Will Stay Netbook Sales Leader In 2010

4. Acer Looking To Dominate PC Sales

5. Global Netbook Sales Slow During Q1 2009