Samsung Electronics has put an end to rumours regarding the fate of its LCD business, confirming on February 20 that it would spin off its LCD manufacturing arm to concentrate on OLED display technology.
Its board of directors has approved a plan to launch Samsung Display Corporation, a spin off LCD unit, on April 1 this year.
Samsung’s LCD division made an operating loss last year and, with LCD sales falling and forecasts looking bleak, the company believes the time is right to focus on OLED.
Other panel manufacturers are also noting the shift. At the start of the year InAVate reported that Sony would be exiting its joint LCD venture with Samsung and Sharp Corp has said it will halve its LCD output between January and March.