Sony splits image sensor business into a new company
Today Sony announced that they are splitting their sensor business into a separate new company:
Sony Corp said it will split off its semiconductors operations in a bid to bolster growth in devices such as image sensors, which have helped lead a turnaround at the Japanese electronics maker. Sony said the move was part of the company's push to give autonomy to its business units to accelerate decision-making and make them more accountable for their profitability. (Reuters)
Sony's semiconductor business is highly profitable, mostly because its sensors are widely used in smartphones (especially Apple models), DSLRs from manufacturers like Nikon, and Sony's own popular cameras. The move means that Sony's core businesses are now mobile, gaming, imaging (cameras), movies, music and financial services. (Engadget)
In the semiconductor business, where image sensors are a primary area of focus, Sony will establish Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation ("Sony Semiconductor Solutions") to further reinforce this business, and concentrate on sustained growth. R&D, business control, sales and other operations related to the semiconductor business, which are currently overseen by business groups and R&D units within Sony Corporation, will be transferred to Sony Semiconductor Solutions. The new company will aim to commence operations on April 1, 2016. As part of its mid-term corporate strategy announced in February 2015, Sony outlined its intention to sequentially split out the business units currently within Sony Corporation and operate them alongside existing Sony Group companies. The aim of these measures is to ensure clearly attributable accountability and responsibility from the perspective of shareholders, management policies with an emphasis on sustainable profit generation, and the acceleration of decision-making processes and reinforcement of business competitiveness. The decision to establish Sony Semiconductor Solutions forms part of this strategy. (official press release)