APPLE Computer vice chairman Mr Mike Markkula recently sold 500,000 shares, or 14 per cent, of his stake in the company, an Apple spokeswoman said yesterday. Mr Markkula continues to hold 3.1 million shares and remains the company's largest individual shareholder.

The spokeswoman cited "personal reasons" for Mr Markkula selling the shares late last month, but declined to elaborate.

On May 13th, Apple's new chief executive, Mr Gilbert Amelio, is scheduled to outline a strategy for returning Apple to profitability.