According to a Wednesday report from Reuters, citing three unnamed sources, South Korean technology giant Samsung Electronics is apparently in talks with Sharp Corp, with regard to an investment of nearly 10 billion yen ($108 million) in the struggling Japanese firm.

Going by the Reuters sources, the investment will give Samsung a 3 percent stake in Sharp; and will essentially ensure the embattled firm a smooth supply of large-sized TV panels; thereby potentially bolstering its chances of survival.

As per the sources familiar with the proceedings, the deal will require Sharp to issue new shared to Samsung towards the end of March, and will make the South Korean company one of the main customers for the liquid crystal display (LCD) panels manufactured by Sharp, which is a big supplier to Samsung's rival Apple.

Samsung's decision to invest 10 billion yen in Sharp comes at a time when the Japanese company is scrambling to raise funds as well as secure customers for its LCD panels, in a relentless attempt to assure its bank lenders of its solid prospects.

About the reported Samsung-Sharp deal, Tetsuro Ii - CEO of Tokyo-based investment fund Commons AM - said: "Rather than the amount of investment, it is the partnership with Samsung that Sharp gains that is important. Sharp gains an opportunity to use the Samsung platform."