Fidelity, Barclays Buy Stakes in Apple (UPDATE)

FMR Corp., the parent company of mutual fund firm Fidelity Investments, and Barclays Global Investments have bought 5.6% and 4.87% stakes, respectively, in Apple Computer, Inc., according to a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings made Monday.

FMR holds more than 22.5 million shares of Apple common stock as of Dec. 31, according to the SEC filing indicating a "passive" stake. Under such a filing, the investor is not required to provide details such as when shares were acquired or sold or the cost of the transaction.

Investments divisions of Barclays, including Barclays Global Investors, Barclays Global Fund Advisors, and Barclays Global Investors Japan Trust and Banking Company Limited, and Barclays Life Insurance bought a total stake of 4.87% in Apple shares.

Stockholders who possess more than 5% of a firmis common stock are obliged to declare their intentions. A "passive" stake indicates in part that FMR and Barclays does not intend to attempt a hostile takeover of the company.

AAPL has been trading at a 52-week high, above US$83, all morning. The stock was at $83.30 on heavy volume in midday trading.