THE DEAL: The display businesses of three major Japanese electronics makers ? Sony Corp., Toshiba Corp. and Hitachi Ltd. ? are joining forces. They expect to complete the business combination by early next year.
SIGNIFICANCE: It’s designed to make them more competitive in small and medium-sized panels. That’s a sector expected to grow because of the popularity of smartphones and tablets.
THE COMPETITION: Japanese electronics makers have had a tough time fighting competition from Apple Inc. and its iPod and iPad hits as well as the display prowess of South Korean makers such as Samsung Electronics Co.
