Analyst: AMD considering ATI bid

Microprocessor maker AMD might soon make a move to acquire graphics-card manufacturer ATI Technologies, according to a pair of analysts from RBC Capital Markets. In a note to investors about AMD rival Intel, Apjit Walla and Jas Rashid said their "recent checks in the PC food chain" have indicated that a marriage between the two companies could be coming soon.

The pair notes that the idea of Intel or AMD purchasing a graphics-chip maker has been batted around for a while, and that the idea falls in line with AMD's stated intent to increase its capacity in the coming years. As for ATI being singled out as the target of an acquisition, the pair called the company "a rare buy in the semiconductor space right now."

The pair of analysts didn't focus so much on how AMD would benefit from the move but did say an acquisition of ATI by AMD "would obviously be a clear positive for the graphics space." The stock market's focus was similarly one-sided. ATI stock closed up almost nine percent to $16.51 today, while AMD shares rose more modestly, a little over one percent to $30.89.