Sony is in talks to buy out Ericsson

JAPANESE HARDWARE FIRM Sony is planning to buy out partner Ericsson's stake in their joint mobile phone business.

A report that cites the usual unnamed sources claims that talks are already underway and see Sony chasing share in the mobile phone market. It is expected that with sole control it will be able to better challenge the competition, a suggestion that might say something about Ericsson's contribution.

According to Reuters the aim of the deal is to bring all of Sony's mobile hardware under one roof and bring it total control over its tablet, netbook, laptop and smartphone businesses, the latter of which is Ericsson's responsibility.

The talks are well timed as the ten year pact between the firms is coming to an end and a decision on whether to continue the deal is coming up. A Reuters source said that Sony's preferred option could be a buyout. µ