Rumoured breakdown of the deal, reported to be worth approximately €700 million, confirmed by Nikkei Asia.
Rumours have been confirmed as Nikkei Asia reports that a high-profile deal between Panasonic Holdings and Japanese financial giant Orix to offload Panasonic’s commercial projector business has collapsed. The two companies failed to agree on key terms, bringing an end to plans that would have seen Orix acquire an 80% stake in a newly created joint venture, Panasonic Projector & Display.
The deal, reportedly valued at 118.5 billion yen (approx. €700 million), was a central part of Panasonic’s ongoing business restructuring. As Inavate previously reported, in April 2025 a new company was to be established out of the Media Entertainment Business Division of Panasonic Connect, positioning the projector business for external investment. The aim was to tap into Orix’s financial backing to drive growth, R&D, and expansion into advanced software-driven solutions.
Panasonic’s commercial projector division is a market leader in high-brightness, large-venue projection, with systems regularly deployed at major global events such as the Olympic Games. In FY2024, the business generated approximately 60 billion yen (€420 million), with 80% of that revenue coming from international markets.
Despite the breakdown in negotiations, we understand that Panasonic has indicated the business will now aim to grow independently.
This failed divestment follows a string of strategic restructures by Panasonic, including the December 2024 sale of its automotive systems division to Apollo Global Management and a planned reduction of 10,000 jobs globally, announced in May 2025.
In an interview with Inavate, Panasonic had previously reassured customers that the transition to a joint venture with Orix would be seamless, with continued use of the Panasonic brand and minimal disruption to support and operations.
Inavate has contacted Panasonic for comment to clarify how this latest development affects the company’s future plans for its projector business and will provide an update as soon as more information becomes available.
[Via Nikkei Asia]
Top image credit: SNEHIT PHOTO/shutterstock.com