Seiko Epson Corporation and Sony today announced that as of December 1, the sales function of the small- and medium-sized TFT LCD business (excluding high-temperature polysilicon TFT LCDs, etc.) of Epson Imaging Devices Corporation would be transferred to Sony and Sony Mobile Display Corporation (SMD). On June 30, 2009, Epson and Sony announced an agreement to transfer to the Sony group certain assets of the small- and medium-sized TFT LCD business operated by Epson Imaging. Placing foremost priority on the needs of its customers, Epson Imaging has continued its preparations as it has sought to transfer the sales function of that business to the Sony group by the end of the calendar year. As preparations are now complete, the sales function of that business will be transferred to the newly established SMD sales department and Sony group overseas sales offices on December 1. In accordance with this transfer, Epson Imaging will cease worldwide sales activities on November 30, and some of the staff employed in that business will be either transferred or seconded to the Sony group.

Expediting the assumption of the sales function will allow the Sony group to create a more powerful small- and medium-sized TFT LCD business with a broad product lineup and a structure capable of responding even better to the needs of its customers.

"The Epson group will work to assure a smooth and expeditious transfer, scheduled to be carried out by April 1, 2010, of certain manufacturing-related assets of Epson Imaging for that business, and will continue to work closely with the Sony group to facilitate the further growth and success of the small- and medium-sized TFT LCD business," Epson said in a statement.

Epson's product lineup is ranging from printers and 3LCD projectors for business and the home, to electronic and crystal devices. Epson Imaging Devices Corporation is a leader of small- and medium-sized LCD products.