Shares of Irvine-based computer maker Gateway Inc. spiked as much as 8% Monday as the persistent buzz about a takeover grew louder.

The chief executive of Taiwan’s Acer Inc. told an industry conference the computer maker is “hoping to make an acquisition this year,” according to sources who spoke with the Associated Press.

The sources said J.T. Wang indicated he was speaking of Gateway.

An Acer-Gateway deal long has been considered a possibility as Gateway struggles to rebuild and Acer seeks a stronghold in the U.S. A spokesman for Gateway did not immediately return messages, though the company has refused to comment on speculation in the past.

Gateway has cut payroll and refocused its sales effort on the consumer market in the last six months under new Chief Executive Ed Coleman. The company has also added two director seats following shareholder agitation when a buyout offer was rebuffed last year.

At Monday’s closing bell, Gateway had gained more than 6.6% to $2.40. Its market value was $890 million.