Semiconductor interests – primarily image sensors – will be handled by Sony Semiconductor Solutions, with R&D, business control, sales and other activities transferred in by April 2016.
In the battery business, Sony Energy Devices will target opportunities in the growing battery market, along with enhancing its ability to generate a profit. Meanwhile, Sony Storage Media and Devices – currently a manufacturing operation – will inheret business related functions.
Sony has been struggling over the last few years and has spun out its audio/video business, as well as its TV and PC operations. Unlike these businesses, the semiconductor business has contributed significantly to Sony’s revenues.
Brian O’Rourke, senior principal analyst, consumer devices and MEMS and sensors, with IHS, noted: “Sony is obviously moving in a new direction, in order to ease planning, shorten time to market and increase profitability. What will the ultimate effect of this spin out have on Sony’s image sensor business?
He notes Sony has been ‘wildly successful’ in the image sensor market, where it holds a 42% market share. “What will the ultimate effect of this spin out have on Sony’s image sensor business?,” he asks.
