Time needed to study proposal, says Sony chief

The firm has long been plagued by losses in branded goods like smartphones, hit by fierce competition from both cheaper rivals in Asia.

The firm has long been plagued by losses in branded goods like smartphones, hit by fierce competition from both cheaper rivals in Asia.

Published Jun 20, 2013

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Tokyo - Sony’s chief executive says time is needed to study a proposal from a US major hedge fund to spin off a part of the company's entertainment unit.

Kazuo Hirai was speaking to investors packing a Tokyo hall at the Japanese electronics and entertainment company's annual shareholders meeting on Thursday.

The question about a recent proposal from Third Point hedge fund, led by activist investor and billionaire Daniel Loeb, was the first question from the floor.

Hirai reiterated his position that Sony takes the proposal seriously, and it will be studied by the board. But he ruled out a quick decision.

Loeb has proposed selling up to a 20 percent stake in Sony's relatively healthy movie and music business.

Hirai promised shareholders a revival by focusing on smartphones and TVs. - Sapa-AP

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