Three groups are reported to be in the final stages of bidding for Philips Electronics' chip division Three groups bidding for Koninklijke Philips Electronics’ chip division are in the final stages of a deal that could be priced around €8 billion ($10.2 billion), the Wall Street Journal reports, citing people familiar with the situation.The company’s semiconductor division produces chips for a variety of gadgets, including LCD TVs and other consumer electronics as well as telephones, cars, and household items. Earlier this year, Philips said it hoped to sell the division or merge it with another chip maker in order to focus on other businesses, spend more on research and development and leave the volatile chip business behind.The semiconductor industry tends to go from boom to bust every few years in line with PC demand and demand for other electronics such as mobile phones and consumer electronics. Three private equity firms are currently bidding for Philips’ chip unit, the Wall Street Journal says.Philips, which is based in Amsterdam, reported 2005 revenue at its chip unit reached €4.62 billion compared to €4.49 billion a year earlier. It posted operating profits for the division in both years. Technology Industry