In continuation of an MOI (Memorandum of Intent) signed between Sharp and Sony to jointly establish an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel manufacturing venture leveraging 10G technologies, both parties recently announced that the JV launch will be deferred by a year until 2010 amid the economic uncertainty, Reuters reported. Pursuant to a joint statement, they set to conclude an official contract by June 2009.

The new venture, with Sharp holding a 66 stake and Sony holding the remaining 34%, is now slated for completion by March 2010, manufacturing 10G glass substrates for large-area LCD panels. Meanwhile, Sharp reiterated that the launch of its new LCD panel plant in Sakai City of Osaka Prefecture, currently under construction, will be on schedule to begin operations by March 2010, according to the same source.