Royal Philips Electronics announced that it will terminate it agreement to sell its Lifestyle Entertainment business (audio, video, multimedia, accessories) to Funai Electric.
For more information visit: www.philips.com
Unedited press release follows:
Philips terminates agreement to transfer Audio, Video, Multimedia and Accessories business to Funai following breach of contract
• Philips will take legal action to recover damages caused by breach of contract by Funai
• The Audio, Video, Multimedia and Accessories business will be held as standalone subsidiary within Philips, named WOOX Innovations
• Philips will now proceed to investigate other prospective buyers to give this business a great future
Amsterdam, the Netherlands – Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) today announced that it will terminate the agreement with Funai Electric Co., Ltd (TSE/OSE 6839) for the transfer of its Audio, Video, Multimedia and Accessories business, following breach of contract by Funai. Philips will take legal action to recover damages caused by Funai. Philips will proceed to investigate other opportunities for the Audio, Video, Multimedia and Accessories business, while continuing to run this business within Philips operating with a significantly lower cost structure, as a standalone entity called WOOX Innovations.
“We regret that we have to take this action, but we do so to protect our business and the interests of all our stakeholders,” said Philips Chief Executive Officer Frans van Houten. “ Year to date, our carved-out Audio, Video, Multimedia, Accessories business shows a positive net income and has leading market positions in areas like home cinema sound, docking speakers and headphones. As WOOX Innovations, the business will continue to bring great new products to the market, while we investigate other opportunities to give this business a great future.”
Philips announced that it had signed an agreement regarding the transfer of its Audio, Video, Multimedia and Accessories business to Funai on January 29, 2013. Since signing, Philips has been working hard to prepare the business for transfer in the second half of this year; this process has now been completed. In the final preparation phase, Funai has refused to take the necessary steps to enable completion of the transaction and the transfer of the business. As a result, Philips will start arbitration proceedings in the International Court of Arbitration (ICC) and will terminate the agreement signed in January.
WOOX Innovations will be a standalone company within Philips, fully focused on delivering meaningful innovation in connected entertainment. Headquartered in Hong Kong and with over 2,000 employees worldwide, WOOX is a business with EUR 1.2 billion in sales.
Today’s announcement does not impact Philips’ existing agreements with Funai in North America and Mexico.
About Royal Philips:
Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people’s lives through meaningful innovation in the areas of Healthcare, Consumer Lifestyle and Lighting. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips posted 2012 sales of EUR 24.8 billion and employs approximately 114,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. The company is a leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as male shaving and grooming and oral healthcare.