Japanese multinational conglomerate, headquartered in Kōnan, Minato, Tokyo. Principal activities are consumer and professional electronics, gaming, films, music and financial services.
Established in Japan in May 1946 as Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaishia, a joint stock company. In January 1958, it changed its name to Sony Kabushiki Kaishia (English translation: Sony Corporation).
Info relating to the music/entertainment side of the business:
- In March 1968, CBS/Sony Records Inc. was formed alongside Columbia Broadcasting System, Inc. (CBS). In January 1988, this joint venture is wholly acquired and subsequently renamed Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. (SMEJ) in 1991.
- In January 1988, CBS Records Inc., the principal holding company behind CBS Inc. worldwide recorded music division, is acquired. In January 1991, this holding company is renamed Sony Music Entertainment Inc. (SME).
- Columbia Pictures Entertainment, Inc. is acquired in November 1989, and renamed Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. (SPE) in August 1991.
- In 1995, Sony/ATV is established as a 50/50 joint venture between Sony Corp & Michael Jackson. Wholly acquired in September 2016.
- On August 5, 2004, the company combined its worldwide recorded music businesses (excluding Japan) with the recorded music businesses of Bertelsmann AG to form Sony BMG Music Entertainment (Sony BMG). In October 2008, Bertelsmann's 50% interest in this joint venture is acquired, with the various operating companies renamed.
Since 1991, affiliated companies of Sony Music Entertainment (SME) have conducted business globally under various imprints, including Columbia, Epic, RCA and other labels.
Sony DADC and its subsidiaries offer media replication and manufacturing of CDs, DVDs, UMDs, and Blu-ray Discs, as well as digital and physical supply chain solutions to business customers in the entertainment, educative and information industries.
