Sony Corporation and TCL Electronics Holdings Limited have agreed to advance discussions on a potential strategic partnership in the global home entertainment market, signalling a major realignment in the television and home audio sector.
The two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding outlining plans to establish a joint venture that would assume Sony’s home entertainment business. Under the proposal, TCL would hold a 51 per cent stake, with Sony retaining 49 per cent. The envisaged joint venture would operate worldwide, overseeing the entire value chain from product development and design through to manufacturing, sales, logistics, and customer service. Its product portfolio would include televisions and home audio equipment.
Sony and TCL said discussions will continue towards definitive, binding agreements by the end of March 2026. Subject to the execution of those agreements, regulatory approvals and other customary conditions, the new company is expected to begin operations in April 2027.
The proposed venture is designed to combine Sony’s picture and audio technologies, long-established brand strength and operational expertise, including supply chain management, with TCL’s advanced display technologies, global scale, industrial footprint, cost efficiency, and vertically integrated supply chain. Products developed by the new company are expected to carry the globally recognised “Sony” and “BRAVIA™” brands to create new customer value across televisions and home audio categories.
The companies said the partnership is being considered against the backdrop of continued growth in the global large-screen television market. This expansion is being driven by changing viewing habits linked to streaming and video-sharing platforms, the evolution of smart TV features, and increasing consumer demand for higher-resolution and larger displays. Within this environment, the proposed new company aims to deliver innovative products while achieving further growth through operational excellence. Both Sony and TCL said they are committed to supporting the sustainable development of the venture.
Comment from Kimio Maki, Representative Director, President and CEO, Sony Corporation
We are pleased to have reached this agreement with TCL for a strategic partnership. By combining both companies' expertise, we aim to create new customer value in the home entertainment field, delivering even more captivating audio and visual experiences to customers worldwide.
Comment from DU Juan, Chairperson, TCL Electronics Holdings Limited
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. Through strategic business complementarity, technology and know-how sharing, and operational integration, we expect to elevate our brand value, achieve greater scale, and optimize the supply chain in order to deliver superior products and services to our customers.
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