Apple also hopes to add luster to a business line that has momentum but little market share.

WSJ: Tim Cook: Apple to Bring iPhone, iPad Features to Mac With Mountain Lion

In 1990, when GM initially invested in Saab, the thinking was that GM could help improve Saab's quality and overall refinement, while the Swedish brand would add some luster to GM's generally dull product portfolio.

CNN: The fate of four GM brands