Forbes.com are reporting that Apple have purchased chip manufacturer PA Semi. The company currently produces chips that could be used in devices such as the iPhone and iPods.

Apple buys smaller technology companies from time to time, and we generally do not comment on our purposes and plans,” said Apple (nasdaq: AAPL - news - people ) spokesman Steve Dowling. He declined to comment on the value of the deal, which a person familiar with the deal suggested was done for $278 million in cash. Apple is due to announce its quarterly earnings Wednesday.

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