Philips explores options with Pie

Philips Electronics in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, has disclosedthat talks are under way to explore expanded relations with PieMedical, a Dutch ultrasound system manufacturer. Philips willnot rule out a possible merger. The comments were made by a Philipsspokesperson in response to rumors of a buyout that sparked asharp rise in Pie stock value on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange.