Sharp and Sony sign Memorandum of Intent to create Joint Venture for Large Sized LCD Panels/Modules

Sharp Corporation (“Sharp”) and Sony Corporation (“Sony”) announced that today they signed a non-binding memorandum of intent to establish a joint venture to produce and sell large sized LCD panels and modules, by splitting out from Sharp an LCD panel plant now under construction in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture which will use 10th generation mother glass substrates. Certain information concerning the joint venture is outlined below, and the two companies will negotiate in good faith to enter into legally binding joint venture documentation by September 30, 2008.

The parties will aim through this collaboration to further strengthen Sharp’s advanced LCD display technologies and Sony’s competitiveness in the TV market.

Once the joint venture agreement is entered into and becomes effective, and subject to receipt of necessary government approvals, the new joint venture will seek to maximize the advantages gained from using the world’s first 10th generation glass substrates to produce large sized LCD panels and modules that deliver the industry’s highest levels of quality, cost and performance. These will then be supplied to Sharp and Sony in quantities corresponding to their respective investments. Sharp and Sony will also discuss and study the possibility to jointly develop components for LCD modules to further reinforce their mutual cooperation.

The new company will endeavor to rapidly establish full and stable manufacturing operations at a new state of the art facility producing large sized LCD panels, and, in coordination with other companies concerned, will realize the vision of “Manufacturing Complex for the 21st Century”.
The following information is true and accurate at the time of publication. Manufacture, sale, price and specifications of products may be subjected to change.