Japan-based electronics manufacturer Sharp has cut off talks with the South Korean giant Samsung regarding expanding their business collaboration to the copier business. This recent news has been revealed from sources close to the development, on Wednesday, August 28, 2013.
This recent move comes after some Japanese companies expressed their concerns that the key technology will fall into the hands of the rival South Korean manufacturer. One of the Japanese firms opposing the plan was Canon Inc., which cross-licenses patents that are used in the production of copiers. The manufacturers in Japan have a control over a large share of the global market of the mainstay copiers, which are capable of printing on A3-size paper.
Sharp alone stands fifth in the global rankings of A3 copier shipments. Meanwhile, Samsung will continue talks with Sharp in terms of the cooperation in white goods. Sources revealed that Sharp will aim to supply products like refrigerators and washing machines to Samsung on an original equipment manufacturer basis.
Initially, Samsung sounded Sharp out regarding its acquisition of the South Korean company’s copier business. Sharp turned down the offer and the two were looking towards jointly setting up a copier sales company. In March 2013, Sharp received around ¥10.38 billion in terms of investment from Samsung.
Photo Credits: BGR
