Elpida in final stages of merger talks - reports

TROUBLED Japanese chip maker Elpida is in discussions with three Taiwan chip makers about a possible merger, according to Japan's public broadcaster, NHK.

All the outfit is apparently seeking to "enhance cooperation" with ProMOS Technologies, Powerchip Semiconductor, and the Elpida-PSC joint venture Rexchip Electronics Corporation.

Elpida is the world's third largest maker of DRAM chips and has seen its market go down the loo in 2008. µ