TOKYO — Sony Corp. announced Wednesday that it will spin off its video and sound business unit, well known for its Walkman audio player, and establish a wholly owned subsidiary in October.
According to the midterm corporate strategy for the fiscal 2015-17 period, which was unveiled by Sony, the electronic giant also will discuss possible spinoffs of other units and move forward preparations for launching subsidiaries.
Last year, Sony spun off its flat TV unit, which had been adversely affecting its business, into a wholly owned subsidiary. Sony also sold its Vaio computer business last year, and a new company, Vaio Corp., was launched.
Sony said it is positioning devices, game and network services, pictures and music as the segments that will drive its profit growth in the next three years. It added that aggressive investment will be made on those segments to boost sales and profits.
The company also said it would invest in its image sensors used for smartphones, which have been enjoying robust sales.
