Samsung Might Make Offer for SanDisk

SanDisk (SNDK Quote) shares soared early Friday on word that Samsung was mulling a bid for the computer-memory seller.

A deal could mean that Samsung would shell out more than $3 billion for the flash-memory maker. Shares of SanDisk surged $3.49, or 26%, to $16.95.

"SanDisk periodically has conversations with multiple parties, including Samsung, regarding a variety of potential business opportunities," the company said in a statement. "We evaluate all of these opportunities, but maintain a policy of not commenting on market rumors or speculation."

Among other chipmakers, Intel (INTC Quote) was down 1.1%, Texas Instruments (TXN Quote) fell 3%, and STMicroelectronics (STM Quote) lost 4%. Memory seller Micron (MU Quote) was down 1.2%.