Panasonic Corporation (NYSE:PC)(TOKYO:6752)( "Panasonic") today
announced that SANYO Electric Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Panasonic, has
reached an MOU (memorandum of understanding) to transfer its consumer
and commercial use washing machine businesses, consumer use refrigerator
business and its white goods sales divisions of four countries in
Southeast Asia to Haier Group.
Regarding the effect on Panasonic's consolidated financial forecasts for
fiscal 2012, the Company is currently under consideration. We intend to
announce promptly if significant effects are estimated.
For further detail, please see below.
SANYO Signs MOU to Transfer Washing Machine and Consumer Use
Refrigerator Businesses and Other White Goods Sales Businesses of Four
Countries in Southeast Asia to Haier Group
Tokyo, July 28, 2011 - SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. (SANYO) today announced
that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to transfer its
consumer and commercial use washing machine businesses, consumer use
refrigerator business and its white goods sales businesses of four
countries in Southeast Asia to Haier Group.
Since becoming a member of the Panasonic Group, SANYO's consumer and
commercial use washing machine businesses and consumer use refrigerator
businesses now overlap with the white goods businesses in the global
strategy of the Panasonic Group, and as such, it has become necessary to
carry out structural reorganization within the group. After taking into
consideration a wide range of factors, in order to secure the employment
and the continuation of the businesses, SANYO has come to the decision
to transfer these businesses to Haier Group. The details of the MOU are
outlined below:
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1.
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All shares of SANYO Aqua Corporation (a Japan-based manufacturing
and sales company of both consumer and commercial use washing
machines) and all shares of Konan Denki Co., Ltd. (a Japan-based
manufacturer of consumer use washing machines) held by SANYO will be
transferred to Haier Group.
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2.
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All shares of Haier Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. (a Japan-based
developer and engineer of consumer use refrigerators) and HAIER
ELECTRIC THAILAND LTD. (a manufacturer of consumer use
refrigerators) held by SANYO will be transferred to Haier Group.
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3.
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In Southeast Asia, SANYO HA ASEAN CORPORATION (a Vietnam-based
manufacturer and distributor of refrigerators, washing machines and
other products), P.T. SANYO INDONESIA (manufacturer), P.T. SANYO
Sales Indonesia (a sales company), SANYO Philippines Inc. and SANYO
SALES AND SERVICE SDN. BHD. (Malaysia-based) will be transferred to
Haier Group.
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4.
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Haier Group will be granted the rights to sell certain white goods,
including washing machines, refrigerators, air conditioners,
televisions and other consumer electric appliances in Vietnam,
Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia under the SANYO brand for a
fixed period of time.
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"Acquiring the white goods business of SANYO is an important part of
Haier's overall growth strategy. Today's announcement has laid the
foundation for Haier's strategic structure in Japan and Southeast Asia
with two R&D centers, four manufacturing bases and six localized
marketing centers, which can better cater to the ever-growing and
dynamic needs of consumers in the region, as well as contribute to our
sustainable growth. We look forward to working with SANYO's team for the
successful completion of this important milestone for both companies,"
said Mr. Du Jingguo, Vice President of Haier Group.
Mr. Mitsuru Homma, Executive Vice President of SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
commented, "Through the transfer of our washing machine and consumer
refrigerator businesses to Haier Group, we have been able to secure the
positions of the employees engaged in the businesses and ensure the
continuity of the business, and we believe that the transfer will allow
the customers in each region to receive the same service as before."
In preparation for the gradual closing to be completed by the end of
March, 2012, the two companies will push forward with negotiations and
are aiming to enter into the final agreement by the end of September,
2011.
Outline of SANYO's Washing Machine and
Refrigerator Businesses
SANYO manufactures and sells its washing machines in Japan, Vietnam and
other countries in Southeast Asia. SANYO also manufactures and sells
commercial use refrigerators in Vietnam, Indonesia and other countries
in Southeast Asia. In February, 2007, as a joint venture between Haier
Group and SANYO, Haier Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. was established for the
development of consumer use refrigerators. In addition, HAIER ELECTRIC
THAILAND LTD., with partial investment from SANYO, has been
manufacturing consumer use refrigerators for the domestic market and for
global export, including to Japan.
About SANYO
SANYO Electric Co., Ltd., a member of the Panasonic Group, is a global
company with leading energy and environmental technology and products
for commercial and consumer use. SANYO offers products and services that
focus on energy generation, energy storage and efficient energy usage,
such as photovoltaic (solar) systems, small- to large-scale-use
rechargeable batteries, as well as other energy-efficient products and
electronic components that are designed with the environment in mind.
For further information, please visit the company web site at http://panasonic.net/sanyo/
About Haier Group
Established in 1984, Haier Group is a multinational consumer electronics
and home appliances company headquartered in Qingdao, People's Republic
of China. In 2010, its global revenue was USD$ 20.7 billion. Haier
Group's household appliances and consumer electronics business cover the
development, manufacturing and sales of refrigerators, washing machines,
air conditioners, water heaters, kitchen appliances, color TV,
computers, mobile phones and U-HOME Series products.
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Head Office:
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Qingdao, Shangdong Province, China
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Manufacturing Facilities:
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24 worldwide
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R&D Facilities:
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10 worldwide
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Global Revenue:
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US$ 20.7 billion (in 2010)
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No. of Employees:
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Over 70,000 Worldwide
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Please be aware that the information above is the outline of the
agreement as of the date of the release and may be subject to change
based on negotiations between the involved parties.
