The rumors were not just rumors after all: Sony has officially announced that it's going to buy Ericsson's stake in Sony Ericsson - which was established as a joint-venture between the two companies back in 2001. The deal will obviously not affect the SE brand, so we'll continue to see Sony Ericsson smartphones being launched. The transaction is expected to close in January 2012, and will allow Sony to quickly "integrate smartphones into its broad array of network-connected consumer electronics devices - including tablets, televisions and personal computers - for the benefit of consumers and the growth of its business.".
Unwired View, Sony officially buys Ericsson's share in SE for $1 billion
