But those acquisitions now provide some of the company's largest profits.

"This acquisition is easily affordable and provides an excellent opportunity for them."

The acquisitions have provided the foundation for a transformed company whose focus is now on operations.

The acquisition will provide efficiencies of scale, as the two investment managers share technology, back office operations and even marketing efforts.

So, it's difficult to see anything tangible that the acquisition provides Apple.

Recent foreign acquisitions of American companies provide further fuel for the controversy.

It said the acquisition would provide entry to the world's largest market for television programs.

The remainder of the funds will be used to refinance some debt, provide working capital and finance other acquisitions.

The acquisition would in time provide the bank with a new direction.

The acquisition provided a platform for growth within the communications, computing, and consumer market.