Industrial computer maker Advantech announced that it plans to buy a 70.2% stake in the POS (Point of Sale) company AdvanPOS Technology with a total investment of around NT$319 million (US$10.65 million; US$1=NT$ 29.944), according to Taiwan's United Evening News on August 14. As Advantech is stretching out to smart-life business, the acquisition is expected to help it gain access to AdvanPOS Technology's sales channels in over 40 countries and the ability to develop handheld POS devices. Advantech expects to grow its annual revenue of smart services to US$100 million by 2018. After the procurement, AdvanPOS Technology will still be run by its own executives.