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"Apple is lining up a bid to acquire German television-maker Loewe, according to a report. AppleInsider claims that the Cupertino-based firm has made on offer of \u00A369 million for the company, and is hoping to wrap up the deal within a week.  The report fuels speculation that Apple is planning to move into the smart TV market with the launch of a connected flatscreen set. Sources recently indicated that the rumoured device will feature Siri and FaceTime support. Loewe, who suffered losses of \u20AC10 million in 2011, has refused to comment on the possibility of an Apple buyout. &amp;quot;Loewe does not want to take part in these rumours,&amp;quot; the company told Bloomberg. Although reports often refer to Apple&amp;#039;s smart TV venture as &amp;#039;iTV&amp;#039;, Jefferies analyst Peter Misek last month predicted that the firm will name the device &amp;#039;iPanel&amp;#039; to avoid a potentially costly legal battle with broadcaster ITV. Apple was previously tipped to release 32-inch and 37-inch smart television sets in the US this year, but subsequent reports suggest that the device will not be seen until 2013. The iPhone maker is yet to officially confirm plans to enter the smart television sector. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.digitalspy.com/tech/apple/news/a381491/apple-to-acquire-german-tv-maker-loewe-says-report/>