It’s the potential take-over rumour of the month, or possibly the year – it seems as though Apple could be poised to snap up UK based chip experts Arm.

The stock market certainly thinks so, with Arm’s share prise rising, bucking the trend of the FTSE which sank overall yesterday.

Shares in the company rose 3% on the speculation that Apple is poised to snaffle it.

Apple already uses Arm technology in devices such as its iPhone, iPod and iPad, so the acquisition would make obvious sense from that point of view.

And also from the perspective of keeping competitors from accessing Arm’s expertise. If you’ve got a mobile, odds are it contains an Arm processor, one way or another.

Intel has been linked with shaping to make a move on Arm, according to the Mail Online.

However, before you go out and splurge your life savings on Arm shares, remember this is no more than a rumour at this stage.

Although Apple certainly has the spare cash to make such a purchase. Even though Arm will run to a cost that will also include a leg – well over £3 billion.

In fact, the Evening Standard, which broke this rumour, say the gossip is that Apple could pay up to £5 billion, although that figure seems a little far-fetched.

We’ll keep our eyes peeled with interest.