I bet you can name at least 3 flash device manufacturers. I also bet that the names of Sandisk or samsung were two of the three you named. Well, if Samsung has its way, it will own Sandisk, and be the largest flash manufacturer on the planet. We will have to refer to Samsung as Flash-a-saurus or the Flash-i-nator.

The news hit the streets last week when Market Watch broke the story. Apparently, because of the global economy being in the pits, shares of Sandisk have sunk to the point where Samsung just can't help themselves and gobble up their competitor. It isn't just an marketshare move because Samsung would also be purchasing Sandisk's patents. Many of which Samsung plays millions in royalties for every year. And since the Sandisk Sansa and the Samsung MP3 players are fierce rivals, there will be some consolodation and shake down in that area as well.

Well Samsung, if you can't beat them, buy them.

Source.