Osaka, Japan — Sanyo Electric said it has formed a partnership with Sharp to acquire LCD panels.
As part of the partnership both companies would combine various technologies and jointly develop microwave ovens, rice cookers and other kitchen appliances, according to a report on Nikkei Business News.
Sanyo president Seiichiro Sano disclosed the arrangement during a news conference on Sanyo’s earnings for the year, ended March 31, on Thursday.
According to Nikkei, Sanyo sold 1 million LCD televisions in North America in fiscal 2007, using panels procured from Taiwanese manufacturers. The company will now also use Sharp panels.
Sanyo also said it plans to supply Sharp with lithium-ion batteries for notebook computers and other portable devices. Sharp currently uses Sanyo lithium-ion batteries in cellphones.
