Samsung May Purchase Voice Assistant Company Nuance

Nuance Communications, who champion the popular Dragon voice-to-text assistant, are reportedly entertaining buyout offers. The company is said to have begun discussions with several suitors, according to those familiar with the situation. Those talks are with both existing tech companies and private equity firms.

Of note is Samsung's interest in Nuance. Their tech is currently present on many Samsung devices, and is believed to be an integral part of Samsung's upcoming wearable device. It may be a situation of Samsung simply seeking to bring the tech in-house rather than license it indefinitely.

Nuance's software is used in various other devices or platforms, too. Nintendo, Panasonic, and Daimler all use Nuance in one form or another. Mobile may be their second largest stake, but a health-care unit, which digitizes records, is their bread and butter. Samsung may have a stronger health angle than previously imagined, if they're serious about buying.

Nuance is valued at roughly $5.5 billion, and had a FY 2013 revenue of $1.86 billion. They're owned by several equity firms, with notable investor Carl Icahn's firm owning a 19% stake — the largest of anyone. On news of a buyout, their stock has risen sharply on the day.

Source: The Wall Street Journal