Samsung and Sony Sign Final Contract Regarding Production Line for World's Most Advanced Generation LCD Panel

JCN Newswires, July 14, 2006

Tokyo, Japan, July 14, 2006 - (JCN Newswire) - Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. and Sony Corporation today signed the final contract for constructing an 8th-generation amorphous TFT-LCD panel manufacturing line at their joint venture, S-LCD Corporation.

The following issues have been discussed between the two companies since the agreement on the Letter of Intent which was released in April 2006, and today have reached the final contract stage.

- The two companies plan to establish an 8th generation amorphous TFT-LCD panel production line (glass substrate size: approximately 2,200mm X 2,500mm), in addition to the current 7th generation amorphous TFT-LCD panel production line, at S-LCD (Tangjeong, ChungCheongNam-Do, Korea).

- They also plan to invest approximately $1.9 billion* (1.8 trillion Won, approximately 200 billion JPY), with each company providing half. Actual production is targeted to start in Fall 2007 with a production capacity of 50,000 panels per month.

Together with the current 7th-generation line, the start of the world's most advanced (8th generation) line will enable both companies to expand production of large screen LCD panels for 50-inch class LCD TVs, of which demand is expected see a significant increase, as well as to acquire a stable supply to meet demands.

* The investment amount does not include the cost of the building and land.

About Samsung Electronics

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2005 parent company sales of US$56.7 billion and net income of US$7.5 billion. Employing approximately 128,000 people in over 120 offices in 57 countries, the company consists of five main business units: Digital Appliance Business, Digital Media Business, LCD Business, Semiconductor Business and Telecommunication Network Business. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com

About Sony

Sony Corporation is a leading manufacturer of audio, video, game, communications, key device and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. With its music, pictures, computer entertainment and on-line businesses, Sony is uniquely positioned to be the leading personal broadband entertainment company in the world. Sony recorded consolidated annual sales of approximately $67 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005. Sony Global Web Site: Sony Global Web Site: http://www.sony.net

Source: Sony

Contact:

Sony Corporation
Gerald Cavanagh
Gerald.Cavanagh@jp.sony.com
Tel:  81-3-5448-2200
Fax:  81-3-5448-3061

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