Happy’s Tech Talk #49: Stop! Do You Have a Digital Strategy for the Future?
The Chemical Connection: When History Repeats Itself on Diversification
Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (TSMC) announced the execution of a legally binding definitive agreement for the establishment of Advanced Vision Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation as a joint venture (JV) in Koshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan. The JV will serve as a core hub for the development and manufacturing activities required for the volume production of image sensors for smartphones utilizing advanced manufacturing process technology. The JV is expected to commence volume production in 2029.
Sony will be the sole controlling shareholder and the JV is planned to operate as a consolidated subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation. The Representative Director of the JV is planned to be appointed by Sony.
Pursuant to the definitive agreement, Sony plans to contribute approximately 465 billion yen to the JV through a combination of cash contributions and the transfer of its assets* through a company split. TSMC plans to make cash contributions of approximately 282 billion yen. These capital contributions are expected to be made in phases based on market demand and other relevant business conditions. In addition to these capital contributions by Sony and TSMC, investments required to realize the production capacity planned by the JV are being considered on the premise that they would receive support from the Japanese government.
Under the strategic partnership, Sony intends to take a leading role in the development of core image sensor technologies, as well as product planning and product design. The JV plans to leverage TSMC’s advanced process technology and manufacturing expertise to drive development and manufacturing activities required for the volume production. Through this collaboration, the companies intend to accelerate the commercialization of image sensor products driven by customer needs while advancing technological innovation and strengthening manufacturing capacity.
The establishment of the JV and completion of the transaction are subject to the receipt of required regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.
