Sony to focus on mobile and tablet electronics as it offloads VAIO PC division to Japan Industrial Partners
Sony has announced plans to sell its PC division as the electronics business pursues a new strategy focus on the smartphone and tablet market.
With the growth in smartphone and tablet sales diminishing the sales of PCs in recent years, Sony has already begun implementing a reform strategy across the electronics business, having identified the imaging, gaming and mobile businesses as three core priorities for growth.
The company also identified PCs and TVs as businesses which needed improvement, and has enhanced its TV businesses. However, today (Thursday 6 January) Sony announced a memorandum of understanding with Japan Industrial Partners to sell its PC business, known as VAIO.
The agreement is expected to be completed by March, with the new company expected to focus consumer and corporate PCs in Japan.
Sony will also stop planning, designing and developing PC products under the deal, with sales being discontinued after the spring range is released globally, however aftercare customer service will continue.
The announcement came as Sony revealed a third quarter 24 per cent increase of sales and operating revenue of 2,412.8bn yen.