Apple rumoured to be mulling Chinese web gamer buy

Apple is reportedly looking to buy a Chinese internet game maker, according to an exec at the Handseeing Information Technology company.

The firm's deputy general manager Tian Bo told Agence France-Presse (AFP) today that negotiations were underway.

"We are indeed in talks," said the Handseeing exec. He told AFP that discussions had been going on for "a certain period of time".

Talks between the firm and Apple are expected to go on until September, he said, when an "incremental" announcement will be made.

Tian declined to comment on what cash figures were being thrown around currently. There has been speculation that Apple could cough up $150m for Handseeing.

"The higher, the better," joked Tian to AFP.

Chengdu, southwest China-based Handseeing was founded in 2005 and develops online gaming applications. If bought by Apple, it would be the first such People's Republic acquisition for the Jobsian outfit. ®