Sony considers spinning off semiconductor unit to focus on entertainment business

Sony Corp. is considering spinning off its semiconductor unit, the latest move by the company to streamline its business and focus on entertainment, according to people familiar with the matter. The spinoff and listing of Sony Semiconductor Solutions could take place as early as this year, the people said. Sony is considering distributing most of its stake in the chip business to shareholders and may retain a minority stake after the spinoff. Sony also plans to spin off its financial unit, following billionaire investor Dan Loeb's blueprint to unlock billions of dollars in shareholder value.