EA doesn't actually own the Rock Band name, MTV Games does. EA just distributes the games for them.

why would anyone want to buy ea? alot of their sales are licensed games that they would lose if they would get boughten

Could they buy EA?

It's all about gaming
Apple should use some of its cash to get into gaming. But before it can do that, it needs to realize that there are three core components it needs to address, if it wants to be successful: build solid hardware that's affordable yet capable; have a strong first-party developer studio; and have an online platform that's better than competitor offerings.
Sounds tough, huh? Think again. Apple is the king of making outstanding hardware, and there's no reason to suggest that it can't do that with a video game console. Granted, the company shouldn't jump into this console war--it's too late for that--but with the help of its cash, mind share, and power over suppliers, there's no reason to suggest that Apple can't develop a console that bests Microsoft's and Sony's best next-generation game hardware.
But it doesn't quite end there. Apple needs to acquire Take-Two Interactive Software and Sega. The reason why is quite simple: there's no differentiation in the video game market, unless first-party games or exclusives make their way to particular consoles.
By acquiring Take-Two and Sega--two companies Apple can easily afford--it will own two of the most important franchises in gaming (Grand Theft Auto and Sonic, respectively) and immediately solidify itself in the market. And considering that Take-Two almost went to Electronic Arts for $2 billion, Apple can write a check and never remember it. It's perfect.
Lastly, it needs to invest significant cash in online gaming. Microsoft is beating Sony today because of Xbox Live and will continue to do so until Sony finally wakes up and realizes that online gaming is a key component in the success of consoles. After dumping a significant amount of cash into an online platform, Apple can ensure that Microsoft's ability to compete is suspect, at best.



http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-10076070-17.html

EA, take two, and acti-bliz ..... all at the same time..... in cash 

well they got a mass effect for iphone / ipod right?

Edit: 10,000th post

I don't think it's quite that outlandish. Apple makes all kinds of hardware which needs software, and just about any kind of software except games. It makes sense if they're looking for something to broaden their software portfolio so they can sell more hardware. And EA's software could be used to help sell desktops, laptops, iPhones and iPod Touches. Perhaps even a followup device to the Apple TV which downloads entertainment software from the app store...

I'm no financial wiz, but even if they're undervalued and hemorrhaging money, EA doesn't seem like a particularly easy takeover target to my mind.

Apple is bringing in some serious cash since the iPhone released, and I mean serious cash. They could buy pretty much anything at the moment, hell they could buy Microsoft if Gates allowed it.

And Sony Computer Entertainment Division if they wanted also.