PCR Tech and IT retail, distribution and vendor news
Sony is said to be discussing a possible sale of its Vaio computer business.
Nikkei Asian Review reported that the electronics giant was in talks with the investment fund Japan Industrial Partners regarding the proposed deal.
The move way said to be “part of a business overhaul designed to shift focus to smartphones”.
If successful, the PC arm of the company would be sold to a newly-created firm which would continue to sell devices under the existing Vaio name and be responsible for post-sale support. The Vaio brand was originally launched in 1996.
The estimated cost of the sale is said to be between 40 and 50 billion yen (£242 to £302.7 million). The majority of the 1,000 staff employed in the department would be integrated into the new business, while a few would be transferred internally within Sony.
The sale is predicted to land Sony with its first net loss in two years, for the financial year ending on March 31st 2014. The company has previously forecast a profit of 30 billion yen (£181.6 million).
