Sony is spinning out its TV and home audio business and has announced that Chinese company TCL will take a 51% controlling interest.
Sony will retain a 49% stake, and TCL will continue to use the "Sony" and "Bravia" branding as part of the deal.
"The joint venture will operate globally, handling the full process from product development and design to manufacturing, sales, logistics, and customer service for products including televisions and home audio equipment," Sony said in a statement
"The new company plans to advance its business by leveraging Sony's high-quality picture and audio technology cultivated over the years, brand value and operational expertise including supply chain management, while utilizing TCL's advanced display technology, global scale advantages, industrial footprint, end-to-end cost efficiency, and vertical supply chain strength.
"The new company's products are expected to carry the globally recognized "Sony" name and "BRAVIA™" name, aiming to create new customer value through these branded products such as TVs and home audio equipment."
What does it mean for you?
Right now, nothing will immediately change in either camp. The two companies are finalizing the agreements by the end of March and, subject to approval, their new joint company won't even be operational until April 2027.
But it could mean that Bravia sets — some of the best TVs you can buy — come down in price in the long run due to streamlining the production. The TVs may be built by TCL at a cheaper cost, but could still come packed with Sony's image-processing tech. That's a win if you're planning to upgrade your TV in the next few years.
Meanwhile, TCL itself — which has been producing better and better products — will be able to leverage many of the features that make Sony's TVs so good. Hopefully, that means we also get improved quality on TCL's own sets as well. We'll be keeping a close eye on the releases from both companies over time to determine what, if any, changes have been made as a result.
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