Sony to buy out Ericsson - report
$1.3 to $1.7 billion buyout mooted.
Updated on
Sony is rumoured to be preparing to buy out Ericsson from its joint mobile venture.
The Wall Street Journal has heard Sony's interest could see the PlayStation manufacturer shell out between $1.3 and $1.7 billion in the buyout.
If the deal goes through, Sony will try to integrate its smartphone operation with its PlayStation Portable, Vita, PC and tablet businesses.
It would also give Sony complete control over the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play, the first PlayStation certified smartphone.
The Wall Street Journal's sources said Ericsson had been attempting a PlayStation phone "for years," while Sony executives "dragged their heels" over letting the division handle its valuable gaming brand.