MSI forms new JV with LGE for notebook production

On March 21, Micro-Star International (MSI) revealed that through its subsidiary MSI Pacific International Holding Company it had invested US$882,000 in its Kunshan, Jiangsu Province (China) notebook joint venture with LG Electronics (LGE). MSI made the announcement through a notice on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TSE) website.MSI now holds 49% of the new company, which is capitalized at US$1.8 million, while LGE controls 51%. LGE will provide mechanical design technology and MSI board manufacturing service.The new venture represents another move by MSI to diversify into system products. In addition to entering the server and optical storage drive businesses, the Taiwanese board maker earlier introduced "Pen Note" Tablet PC and "MEGA PC" mini-barebone system lines.Meanwhile, with the joint venture scheduled to enter volume production in the third quarter and its own factory at the Kunshan production site to be completed next month, MSI estimated its China production ratio will rise to 60% by year-end.Source: DigiTimes