Toshiba, a legendary Japanese electronics giant, was once a household name in the world of computers. With a rich history spanning over 140 years, the company played a significant role in shaping the global technology landscape. However, in recent years, Toshiba’s computer division faced significant challenges, leading to a series of ownership changes that left many wondering: who bought out Toshiba computers?
The Early Years: Toshiba’s Rise to Prominence
Founded in 1875 by Tanaka Hisashige, Toshiba started as a telegraph equipment manufacturer. Over the years, the company diversified its product portfolio, entering the computer market in the 1980s. Toshiba’s laptops quickly gained popularity for their durability, innovative designs, and competitive pricing. The company’s Satellite series, introduced in the early 1990s, became a best-seller, further solidifying Toshiba’s position in the market.
The Rise of Competition and Decline
The dawn of the 21st century saw the rise of new competitors, particularly from Asia, such as Lenovo, Asus, and Acer. These companies offered lower prices, sleeker designs, and improved performance, slowly eroding Toshiba’s market share. The Japanese giant struggled to keep pace, facing significant internal challenges, including a major accounting scandal in 2015.
The Shift Towards Outsourcing and Partnership
In an effort to revamp its struggling computer business, Toshiba began to explore outsourcing and partnership opportunities. In 2018, the company signed a deal with Taiwan’s Compal Electronics, outsourcing the production of its laptops. This move allowed Toshiba to focus on design, marketing, and sales while reducing production costs.
Partnership with Sharp
In 2019, Toshiba announced a joint venture with Sharp, another Japanese electronics manufacturer. The partnership aimed to combine Toshiba’s brand reputation with Sharp’s manufacturing prowess. The agreement allowed Sharp to produce laptops and tablets bearing the Toshiba brand, further reducing the company’s production burden.
The Final Blow: Sale to Dynabook
On August 4, 2020, Toshiba announced the sale of its computer business to Dynabook, a subsidiary of Sharp. The deal, valued at approximately ¥350 billion (around $3.3 billion USD), marked the end of Toshiba’s direct involvement in the computer industry.
Dynabook: The New Owner of Toshiba Computers
Dynabook, previously known as Toshiba Client Solutions, was established in 2018 as a subsidiary of Sharp. The company focused on designing, manufacturing, and marketing laptops and tablets for enterprise and consumer markets. With the acquisition of Toshiba’s computer business, Dynabook gained access to the iconic brand’s global network, including its distribution channels, customer base, and intellectual property.
Future Plans for Toshiba Computers
Under Dynabook’s ownership, Toshiba computers are expected to continue production, with plans to expand the product line and invest in research and development. The company aims to leverage Toshiba’s brand reputation and Sharp’s manufacturing expertise to regain market share and compete with industry leaders.
Conclusion
The story of Toshiba computers serves as a testament to the rapidly evolving technology landscape. From its humble beginnings to its rise as a global leader, Toshiba’s journey is a reminder that even the most iconic brands can falter in the face of intense competition and internal challenges. The sale of Toshiba’s computer business to Dynabook marks a new chapter in the brand’s history, with a focus on revitalization and growth.
In conclusion, Toshiba computers are now owned and operated by Dynabook, a subsidiary of Sharp. The future of the brand remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the iconic Toshiba name will continue to play a significant role in the world of computers.
| Timeline of Toshiba’s Computer Business | |
|---|---|
| 1980s | Toshiba enters the computer market |
| 1990s | Introduction of the Satellite series, becoming a best-seller |
| 2015 | Major accounting scandal rocks the company |
| 2018 | Toshiba outsources laptop production to Compal Electronics |
| 2019 | Toshiba and Sharp form a joint venture for laptop production |
| 2020 | Toshiba sells its computer business to Dynabook |
By understanding the rise and fall of Toshiba computers, we can appreciate the complexities of the global technology industry and the importance of adaptability in the face of changing market dynamics. As the curtain closes on Toshiba’s direct involvement in the computer industry, a new chapter begins for the iconic brand under Dynabook’s ownership.
What happened to Toshiba’s laptop division?
Toshiba’s laptop division was sold to Sharp Corporation in 2018. Sharp, a Japanese electronics company, acquired an 80.1% stake in Toshiba’s laptop business, with Toshiba retaining a 19.9% stake. This move marked Toshiba’s exit from the laptop market, a business it had been in for over three decades.
The sale was a strategic decision by Toshiba to focus on its core businesses, including energy and infrastructure. The company had been struggling to compete with other laptop manufacturers, and the sale allowed it to concentrate on more profitable areas. Sharp, on the other hand, gained access to Toshiba’s laptop technology and expertise, which it could use to expand its own laptop business.
Why did Toshiba struggle to compete in the laptop market?
Toshiba struggled to compete in the laptop market due to increased competition from other manufacturers, particularly those from Asia. Companies like Lenovo, HP, and Dell offered laptops at competitive prices, making it difficult for Toshiba to gain market share. Additionally, Toshiba’s laptops were often seen as being more expensive than those of its competitors, which further eroded its market share.
The company also faced challenges in terms of supply chain management and logistics. Toshiba’s production costs were higher than those of its competitors, which made it difficult for the company to offer laptops at competitive prices. The company’s struggles in the laptop market were further compounded by its high research and development costs, which it incurred in an effort to keep up with the latest technology trends.
Who bought out the Toshiba brand?
The Toshiba brand was bought out by Sharp Corporation in 2018. Sharp acquired an 80.1% stake in Toshiba’s laptop business, with Toshiba retaining a 19.9% stake. The acquisition was a strategic move by Sharp to expand its presence in the laptop market.
As part of the acquisition, Sharp gained access to Toshiba’s laptop technology, including its design and manufacturing capabilities. Sharp also gained control over Toshiba’s laptop sales and marketing operations. Toshiba, on the other hand, was able to focus on its core businesses, including energy and infrastructure.
Is Toshiba still in the technology business?
Yes, Toshiba is still in the technology business, although it is no longer in the laptop market. The company has focused on its core businesses, including energy and infrastructure, and has made significant investments in these areas. Toshiba is a leading player in the energy sector, providing a range of products and services, including nuclear energy, thermal power, and renewable energy solutions.
In addition to its energy business, Toshiba is also a major player in the infrastructure sector, providing products and services, including rail systems, elevators, and building management systems. The company has a strong presence in Japan and has operations in several countries around the world.
What happened to Toshiba’s employees after the sale?
After the sale of Toshiba’s laptop division to Sharp, many of its employees were transferred to Sharp. The exact number of employees who were transferred is not publicly known, but it is believed to be in the thousands. The employees who were transferred became part of Sharp’s laptop business and continued to work on the design, manufacture, and sale of laptops.
The employees who were not transferred to Sharp were either retained by Toshiba or let go as part of the company’s restructuring efforts. Toshiba has continued to operate its other businesses, including energy and infrastructure, and has retained employees in these areas.
Can I still buy Toshiba laptops?
Yes, you can still buy Toshiba laptops, although they are no longer manufactured by Toshiba. Sharp, which acquired Toshiba’s laptop business, continues to produce laptops under the Toshiba brand. The laptops are designed, manufactured, and sold by Sharp, but they retain the Toshiba brand name and logo.
The Toshiba laptops sold by Sharp are similar to those previously sold by Toshiba, with similar features and specifications. However, they may have some differences in terms of design and technology. If you are in the market for a new laptop, you may still be able to find Toshiba laptops from retailers or online marketplaces.
What is the future of the Toshiba brand?
The future of the Toshiba brand is likely to be tied to Sharp’s laptop business. As long as Sharp continues to produce laptops under the Toshiba brand, the brand will likely continue to exist. However, it is possible that Sharp may eventually decide to phase out the Toshiba brand and focus on its own brand.
In the short term, the Toshiba brand is likely to continue to be associated with laptops, and Sharp will likely continue to use the brand to sell laptops. However, in the long term, the brand’s future is uncertain and will depend on Sharp’s business strategy and plans.