Sony, TCL Establish Home Entertainment Joint Venture

Sony has announced a memorandum of understanding with TCL to establish a new global joint venture for its home entertainment products business. This strategic partnership will see TCL hold a majority 51% shareholding, with Sony holding 49%.

CREDIT: SONY

The joint venture will oversee product development, design, manufacturing, sales, logistics, and customer service. Its scope includes a range of items such as televisions and home audio equipment.

Sony stated the venture will utilise its high-quality picture and audio technology, established brand value, and operational expertise. This includes leveraging Sony’s supply chain management.

The company also noted the partnership would benefit from TCL’s advanced display technology, global scale advantages, and industrial footprint. It will also draw on TCL’s end-to-end cost efficiency and vertical supply chain strength.

Mr. Kimio Maki, Representative Director, President, and CEO of Sony Corporation, commented on the agreement. He stated, “We are pleased to have reached this agreement with TCL for a strategic partnership.”

Maki added, “By combining both companies’ expertise, we aim to create new customer value in the home entertainment field, delivering even more captivating audio and visual experience to customers worldwide.”

Sony’s press statement confirmed that products released through the new venture will continue to carry the Sony brand name. Televisions will also retain the Bravia sub-brand.

Both Sony and TCL have committed to strongly supporting the new company’s sustainable growth.

Ms. DU Juan, Chairperson of TCL Electronics Holding Limited, also spoke about the planned joint venture. She stated, “We believe that this strategic partnership with Sony represents a unique opportunity to combine the strengths of Sony and TCL, creating a powerful platform for sustainable growth.”

Juan further noted, “Through strategic business complementarity, technology and know-how sharing, and operational integration, we expect to elevate our brand value, achieve greater scale, and optimise the supply chain in order to deliver superior products and services to our customers.”

Sony predicts that defining binding agreements for the joint venture should be finalised around the end of March. The new company is expected to commence operations by the spring of 2027.

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• Sony and TCL have agreed to form a global joint venture for Sony’s home entertainment products.

• TCL will hold a 51% majority share, with Sony holding 49%.

• The venture will handle product development, manufacturing, sales, and customer service for products like televisions and home audio equipment.

Source: FORBES