How Holland helps China reunite

THE LEADER

Philips (Holland), through its acquisition in 2007 of Color Kinetics (USA), expects to further accelerate growth in the area of the LED lighting market. This acquisition uniquely positions Philips as a major player in the fast-growing SSL business with technology, expertise and intellectual property in all parts of the value chain of integrated LED-based lighting solutions.

"We have long said that LEDs are the future of illumination - not a passing novelty - and we've supported that view with unwavering focus on the research and development of new technologies, sales channels, partnerships and industry initiatives to make it a reality. Today we announce our biggest and most significant step towards putting our core technology and IP at the heart of every future application of intelligent LED lighting," said Bill Sims, President and CEO, Color Kinetics. "We believe that joining Philips, the global lighting leader, is in the best interest of our shareholders, customers, partners, and employees, and that our combined resources will produce the best possible entity to drive the LED lighting revolution forward." (Source: Philips)

THE CHALLENGER

Companies from Taiwan and China are moving ever closer as investment barriers fall between the sides under Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou's initiative to build closer economic ties. Mid June 2009, businesses from the two sides signed a letter of intent to jointly develop new LED materials and technologies and possibly set up a "world-class joint venture" in the future. Chou Wan-shun, chairman of Taiwan's I-Chiun Precision Industry Co., said Taiwan currently makes high-end and China low-end LEDs, and their cooperation could help them challenge world leader Philips Electronics NV of the Netherlands. Taiwan's LED industry generated NT$54 billion ($1.6 billion) in revenues last year, second only to Japan, according to the Taiwan government. The industry produces illuminating appliances that consume less energy and have longer life spans. (Source: Google)

THE PLAYING FIELD

EU states spent 3-13 percent of recovery aid on green activities, the U.S. about 14 percent, and China ... in the upper 30s!

AND THE WINNER IS....