Japanese electronics retailer Nojima Corp. agreed to acquire 93% of personal computer maker Vaio Corp. from investment firm Japan Industrial Partners, marking its latest push into technology hardware.
The 11 billion yen ($70 million) deal, set to close in January, brings the former Sony Group Corp. PC division under Nojima’s growing tech portfolio. The retailer aims to leverage its corporate customer base from its smartphone business to boost Vaio’s computer sales.
Vaio has shown signs of recovery after years of restructuring following its 2014 spinoff from Sony. The PC maker doubled its revenue to 42.1 billion yen in the fiscal year through May, focusing on corporate clients and premium products rather than competing in the low-end market.
Sony will maintain its 5% stake in Vaio, while current management including CEO Masaki Yamano will stay on. The PC maker plans to continue supplying other electronics retailers rather than selling exclusively through Nojima.
The acquisition follows Nojima’s recent tech-focused deals, including last year’s 85 billion yen purchase of smartphone distributor Conexio. Nojima’s shares reached a record 2,248 yen on November 8, buoyed by strong air conditioner sales and warranty revenue from its smartphone business.
