Go to:
Previous Item
Current News
Next Item

The following is an unedited press release, shown as received from the company represented. We've elected to present selected releases without editorial comment, as a way to provide our readers more information without further overtaxing our limited editorial resources. To avoid any possible confusion or conflict of interest, the Imaging Resource will always clearly distinguish between company-provided press releases and our own editorial views and content.

Sony's logo. Click here to visit the Sony website! PRESS RELEASE: Toshiba and Sony Execute Definitive Agreements For the Transfer of Semiconductor Fabrication Equipment to Sony


Tokyo, Japan, February 28, 2011 --- Toshiba Corporation ("Toshiba"), Sony Corporation ("Sony") and Sony Semiconductor Kyushu Corporation ("SCK") today announced that they have executed definitive agreements based on the non-binding memorandum of understanding signed on December 24, 2010 between Toshiba and Sony for the transfer from Toshiba to SCK of certain semiconductor fabrication equipment.

The fabrication equipment to be transferred from Toshiba to SCK are semiconductor fabrication equipment located at SCK's Nagasaki Technology Center operated by Nagasaki Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation ("NSM"), a joint venture among Toshiba, Sony and Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. ("SCEI"). The purchase price for this equipment is 53 billion yen. The closing for this transfer is planned for April 1, 2011, subject to the receipt of any necessary government approvals. Following the execution of the transfer, Toshiba, Sony and SCEI plan to terminate their NSM joint venture relationship.

By carrying out this transfer, Toshiba aims to pursue an asset light business model for its system LSI business. Promoting this measure in the system LSI area where demand is volatile, and concentrating management resources in its Oita Operations, will allow Toshiba to enhance its productivity and cost structure.

Sony's goal is to further strengthen its production capacity for CMOS image sensors, demand for which is increasing, and expand its CMOS image sensor business by utilizing the equipment to be transferred to Sony that is located at SCK's Nagasaki Technology Center. The purchase price of 53 billion yen is included in the approximately 100 billion yen CMOS image sensor investment announced by Sony on December 27, 2010.

No impact is anticipated on either Toshiba or Sony's consolidated financial forecasts for the current fiscal year ending March 31, 2011. Any impact on financial results for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2012 and beyond is currently being assessed.

Outline of NSM

Establishment March 3, 2008
Location 6-30, Tsukuba-machi, Isahaya-city, Nagasaki, Japan
Capital 100 million yen
Ownership Toshiba 60%, Sony 20% and SCEI 20%
Representatives Masaaki Kinugawa,
Chairman of the Board and Director (Chief Executive Officer)
Nobuhiro Yamaguchi,
President and Director (Chief Operating Officer)
Business Activities Manufacture of high-performance semiconductors, including the "Cell Broadband Engine™" processor and the graphics engine "RSX".
Number of Employees 453 as of January31, 2011


(First posted on Monday, February 28, 2011 at 02:05 EST)

Go to:
Previous Item
Current News
Next Item