Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX)
My third acquisition comes in with a Market Cap around $10 billion and is positioned in what may just become the most rapidly changing industry, cable TV. By acquiring Netflix , Apple would be able to throw their hat into the “destruction of cable” boxing ring. As Apple’s main manufacturing partner, Foxconn , has reportedly been testing 46 to 55 inch Apple TV sets, I can’t help but imagine a fully integrated Netflix interface on an Apple TV. What could be a better way for Apple to push their new TV sets and Netflix accounts, than by bundling the two together, all while connecting your PayPal account for easy payments?
While Hulu , YouTube , and Amazon streamers may not see the joy, their apps would be available all the same for everyone to use in the company’s App Store. While making waves, Apple would pressure the cable industry and ushering out new Apple TV sets to Netflix subscribers all over. Simply put, this would add another layer of interconnectedness for Apple, in an industry that is still looking for a true leader.
Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) and Elon Musk
The 4th acquisition on my list may seem slightly off-line operationally, but is more focused on putting visionary Elon Musk in Apple’s CEO position. Sorry Tim, we love you, but Apple is lacking their next major innovation, and that is what Elon is known for. The SpaceX CEO and Founder of PayPal and Tesla, would not only bring back a strong presence to his PayPal unit, but an overall sense of innovation that the company has lacked since the death of Steve Jobs. In a very basic sense, Apple is all about innovation and I would want no one else at the helm today if I was given the choice.
As for the automobile side of things, the connectivity would once again be key, as iPads could be incorporated into the car’s interface and iPod minis and iPhones could be used to run a wide array of programs in the car. You’d never have to worry about keys again if you had an iPhone, as a simple feature would allow you to start your car, lock and unlock the doors, run routine maintenance checks, etc. Once again, Apple would capitalize on keeping its customers connected, and coming in with a price tag of $4.5 billion, Tesla is easily affordable for the cash heavy giant.
3D Systems and Stratasys
Well, I wanted innovative products, and these two companies might just be home to the most groundbreaking technology we have seen in the new millennium. With a combined Market Cap of $7 billion, Apple would easily be able to afford the two upstarts and would potentially be able to streamline its own business operations. As 3D Systems Corporation (NYSE:DDD) would focus more on consumers, Stratasys, Ltd. (NASDAQ:SSYS) would focus more on other businesses, and Apple’s operations as a whole.
