Sony voices support for handset venture

Following Friday’s report in the Wall Street Journal that Ericsson may pull the plug on its handset venture with Sony, its fellow parent has stepped in to defend the new company. Kunitake Ando, president of the Japanese electronics firm said there is no change in his company’s or Ericsson’s commitment to Sony Ericsson. Ando claimed that the support and commitment of both parents has not changed, despite some recent poor results at the venture and concerns over future handsets sales. Sony Ericsson made a loss of US$83 million in the three months ended to 30 June.