Last week it was rumored that Sony could be interested in acquiring Toshiba’s image sensor business. It was only a rumor at that time and neither Sony nor Toshiba had confirmed it, at least until now where Sony has since come forward with an official statement and an announcement of its plans.
According to Sony’s press release, “Sony Corporation (“Sony”) and Toshiba Corporation (“Toshiba”) today announced that they have entered into a non-binding memorandum of understanding that confirms their intent to negotiate the transfer to Sony of certain Toshiba owned semiconductor fabrication facilities, equipment and related assets in Oita Prefecture, and also other related equipment and assets.”
Sony also confirmed that Toshiba employees working at the facilities, as well as those who are involved in the engineering and design side of things, will be transferred or at least given employment opportunities at Sony upon the successful completion of the transfer of Toshiba’s business to Sony.
With this acquisition, Sony’s image sensor business just got a whole lot more serious. As it stands, the company’s sensors are used in a wide range of products, ranging from cameras that aren’t of Sony’s make, to smartphones such as the iPhone. According to Sony, “This acquisition will enable Sony to increase its production capabilities in the area of CMOS image sensors, where further market growth is anticipated.”