Sony Corporation says it’s agreed to sell its PC business to Japan Industrial Partners and will stop making Vaio-branded computers after its forthcoming spring 2014 product release. The company says it’ll now be concentrating its mobile product line-up on smartphones and tablets.
Detailed terms and conditions haven’t yet been agreed but are expected to be in place by the end of March. It’s thought the new JIP computer company will target the Japanese market when it launches.
In addition, Sony is splitting its TV business - which has been moving its focus towards higher-spec equipment - into a separate wholly-owned subsidiary.
There’s also a cost-cutting and efficiency drive across manufacturing, sales, headquarters and support functions.
In total, approximately 5,000 jobs will be cut by the end of the current financial year.