TCL to grab 51 percent control of Sony's TV arm

The world's global number 2 Smart TV maker, TCL from China, is reportedly acquiring 51 percent of Sony's home entertainment arm.

The BRAVIA 5 with a 98-inch display paired with Bar Theatre 9

TCL Sony TVs are coming

China's TCL and the Japanese tech legend Sony will enter a joint venture with operations that will begin in April 2027.

Apart from the 49 percent remaining stake, Sony is expected to retain the Bravia branding for its TVs, but will use TCL display technology.

Sony will be focusing on expanding its portfolio of intellectual property assets such as anime, live-action films, music, and sports broadcasts. Reports said that it'll trim its presence in consumer electronics due to declining margins and growing price competition.

Meanwhile, this partnership is expected to bring an even better brand value to TCL, which is now a prominent Smart TV brand in the US and many parts of the world, including the Philippines, where it is ranked number 1.

The partnership will also seek to leverage Sony's technical expertise to continue its expansion.

This move is also expected to allow TCL to tap into the brand-sensitive high-end TV market, where Sony is highly respected.

To recap, apart from Sony, TCL previously licensed BlackBerry and Alcatel mobile brands.

Source: The Japan Times