Chairman Terry Gou of Hon Hai Precision Industry (Foxconn Technology Group) on Sunday appeared very optimistic about his company's chances of buying struggling Japanese electronics manufacturer Sharp. "I am confident because we are offering better terms and conditions than our competitor," Gou said, without elaborating on the details. The Taiwanese tycoon said he presented his proposal to Sharp's board in Osaka on Saturday.

By early February, Sharp's board is expected to decide whether it will accept Foxconn's multi-billion-dollar acquisition offer or a bailout plan by government-backed Innovation Network Corp of Japan (INCJ).

Previous reports claimed that Sharp was inclined to accept INCJ's proposal, which would merge its display business with industry leader Japan Display.

Gou said that INCJ is not a government agency and Foxconn is not trying to fight against the Japanese government on the Sharp deal.

"The Japanese government actually wants Taiwan and Japanese tech companies to work together," he said, adding that he had met senior Japanese officials to discuss his acquisition efforts.

Gou added that he aims to support Sharp and he has no intention to merge Sharp with Foxconn.