Sony considering the sale of its mobile division?

Sony’s CEO Kazuo Hirai and senior management are considering a number of options for its loss-making mobile and TV divisions according to a Reuters report. This includes the possibility of selling the operations or entering into a joint venture contract with a partner.

Reuters cites an unnamed member of Sony management that “no business is forever” and that “every segment now needs to understand that Sony can exit businesses”.

These sentiments were reiterated by Kazuo Hirai who told reporters at the CES tradeshow in Las Vegas that reforms have succeeded “in some parts but not in others”. He also exhibited caution on the mobile division in particular.

“Electronics in general, along with entertainment and finance, will continue to be an important business. But within that there are some operations that will need to be run with caution – and that might be TV or mobile, for example,” said Hirai.

The next time we officially hear from the company is 4 February 2015, which is when Sony reports its Q3 FY2014 earnings announcement. We should get an idea at that point the sentiment around the mobile division.

Thanks Hendra and Zymo!

Tagged as: Sony, Sony Mobile