2013.04.0102:27:28UTC+00Sharp considered selling the Poland LCD-TV factory

Sharp Corp. is eyeing to sell a Polish factory where it has been constructing liquid crystal display televisions for the European market as part of turnaround efforts, Kyodo News reported Monday, pointing out sources familiar with the matter.

Sharp looks to be sounding out investment funds and foreign consumer electronics makers on whether they are interested in taking the factory.

But it remains indefinite whether the struggling Japanese manufacturer will be able to find a buyer of the plant, as negotiations with possible claimant have run into difficulties, the sources stated. It may end up closing the factory if it does not succeed in the developing talks.

Sharp is keen on progressing the profitability associated with its television managements and padding its cash holdings by selling the plant.

European sales of Sharp's LCD TVs finished at 1.4 million units in fiscal 2010. But, hit by the weak European economy, the sales dropped to some 1 million units in fiscal 2012.

Consequently, the operating worth of the Polish plant has declined, making it unprofitable to manage.