Taiwan's Asustek says has not ruled out possibility of buying HTC

A guest checks her mobile as she arrives for the launch of new HTC products - the HTC desire eye smartphone, RE camera and RE eye experience software - in New York October 8, 2014. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz·Reuters

TAIPEI (Reuters) - Taiwan's Asustek Computer Inc said on Friday it has not ruled out the possibility of acquiring struggling smartphone maker HTC Corp.

Chairman Johnny Shih of Asustek, one of the world's biggest makers of laptop personal computers and smartphones, made the comment in response to questions raised at its annual general meeting, Chief Financial Officer David Chang told Reuters.

"Our chairman has chatted about the topic internally," said Chang. "Still, the chances of an actual takeover are not big as Asustek is a company that has depended on organic growth."

HTC shares plunged 20 percent on Monday and Tuesday combined after the company forecast a steep loss for the June quarter, prompting speculation that the company could be acquired.

(Reporting by Faith Hung; Editing by Christopher Cushing)

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