February 26, 2008

Sharp And Sony Jump Into Bed Together With New Joint LCD Venture

We initially reported the other day that Sony had struck a deal to purchase LCD panels from Sharp, a cost-efficient way for Sony to keep up with demand for its hugely successful Bravia line-up. It seems the two companies are closer than we originally thought.

Sharp and Sony have signed a memorandum of intent to both produce and sell large-size LCD panels. A factory for the new joint-venture which is so far unnamed is being built, and once fully operational will supply Sharp and Sony with panel amounts respective to their investments in the venture. In the future we could possibly expect joint production of LCD components as well.

The factory is slated to be operating at full capacity sometime in the last quarter of 2009, initially producing 36, 000 panels/month, gradually increasing to 72, 000 panels. Sharp will carry about 66% of the total investment into the joint-venture and Sony will invest the other 34%.

Via Digitimes
Image Credit: Engadget HD