HTC to acquire over 50% of Dopod Shares

[Tim]

Interesting... it looks like Dopod's "Enjoy Mobility" motto is now just going to be HTC's "Engineering Mobility."

HTC, being the big boys that they are decided to buy over 50% of Dopod shares. It only took time for Dopod to be under the HTC umbrella. We knew it was going to happen sooner or later. This will make other OEMs shake in their boots (get ready to get owned Quanta).

Full Press Release:

HTC signs MOU with DOPOD
HTC to acquire over 50% of DOPOD shares
Taoyuan, Taiwan, R.O.C. June 2, 2006 - High Tech Computer Corp. (HTC; TAIEX: 2498) today announced that the company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Dopod (Cayman) Holding Corporation ("Dopod"). HTC will acquire over 50% of Dopod shares as Dopod becomes HTC's subsidiary. The transaction value will not surpass US$150 million. The alliance between Dopod and HTC will make the synergy to provide the best service to operators and end users.

The transaction details, the business cooperation plans, the rights and obligations of both, and other related affairs will be evaluated and negotiated in the near future.

Dopod was founded in 2002 and has quickly established a premier position within Asia's mobile phone industry. The company's astounding success is due not to coincidence, but because of its superior expertise and service. By utilizing the innovation of HTC product portfolio, Dopod handsets deliver maximum value to consumers and enable users to "Enjoy Mobility" anywhere and everywhere. By integrating top-notch mobile communication and information system technologies, Dopod devices cater to modern lifestyles by providing customers with convenient and instant access to their stored information.

Fully aware of the rapid growth of the global smart handheld device market, HTC and Dopod have decided to reinforce and expand their strategic alliance. Henceforth, after combining the world-class design, innovation, and engineering expertise of HTC with the brand awareness and marketing experience of Dopod, HTC will benefit from a much higher market and end-user awareness, and, in addition, its innovative products will reflect on Dopod's strong brand influence in Asia. As a result, Dopod will cultivate its brand management and marketing abilities to enhance itself in a branding market and will continue to create unique and high value-added products to strengthen its core competencies. HTC recognizes and anticipates the high synergistic potential that can be realized from this new level of cooperation.

About Dopod
Dopod, founded in 2002, has eight subsidiaries in Taiwan, Hong-Kong, Singapore, China, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, New Zealand, and Australasia and continues to penetrate other potential markets. The company focuses on customized service and devices to operators and end users in the Asia-Pacific region. During the past two years, the company has successfully launched six Smartphones and nine PDA Phones in the region to help operators and users access and enjoy new wireless experiences. With its expertise in brand management and its marketing talent, DOPOD has become one of the best known wireless companies in Asia. The company's total revenues for fiscal year 2005 reached US$130 million and net incomes after tax were US$8 million. For further information, please visit: www.dopod.com.tw

About HTC
High Tech Computer Corp. (HTC) is the global leader of Microsoft Windows-based mobile devices. Since its establishment in 1997,the company has developed strong expertise and R&D capabilities in converged mobile devices and has constantly been first to launch leading PDA Phones and Smartphones for major telecommunication operators and mobile device brands globally.

HTC has pioneered this market through partnerships with key mobile operators, including the leading five European mobile operators, the top four US operators, and many Asian operators. Its leading R&D capabilities also attract the most advanced technology developers to work with HTC to facilitate the best applications and to introduce and promote mobile data services universally.

HTC is one of the fastest growing companies in the mobile device market. The company is listed on The Taiwan Stock Exchange (under ticker 2498). For further information, please visit: www.htc.com.tw