Apple Computers
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Computers are still an important part of its mix, but these days music-related products are at the top of Apple's playlist. The company scored a runaway hit with its digital music players (iPod) and online music store (iTunes). Apple's desktop and laptop computers -- all of which feature its OS X operating system -- include its Mac mini, iMac, and MacBook for the consumer and education markets, and more powerful Power Mac and MacBook Pro for high-end consumers and professionals involved in design and publishing. Other products include servers (Xserve), wireless networking equipment (Airport), and publishing and multimedia software. The company's FileMaker subsidiary makes database software.
Ferrari
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Recognized by its rearing-horse logo, sports carmaker Ferrari is up to speed, and then some. The Italian company sells about 4,000 high-performance sports cars a year, starting at about $140,000 a pop. The company sells its cars primarily under the Ferrari nameplate. Models include the 612 Scaglietti, 599 GTB Fiorano, and the F340. To safeguard exclusivity and high value, the company has set a self-imposed production limit of 4,300 cars a year. In late 2006 Fiat S.p.A. bought back the 29% stake owned by Italian bank Mediobanca. The move brought Fiat's stake in Ferrari to 85%. Piero Ferrari, son of Ferrari's founder, owns 10% of the company. Mubadala Development Co. of The United Arab Emirates owns 5%.
Rumors of a Ferrari IPO have been circulating for years, but Fiat says it has officially ruled out such a move. Fiat instead bought back the 29% stake it sold to Mediobanca (Mediobanca then sold portions of its stake to others, including Commerzbank) by way of an option provision that was part of the original deal.
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