Description
Panasonic is a Japanese multinational electronics company, headquartered in Kadoma, Osaka, Japan. The company was founded in 1918 as Matsushita Electric Housewares Manufacturing Works. Panasonic has undergone many name changes before it became a holding company in 2022 and was renamed as Panasonic Holdings Corporation.
Products and services offered by Panasonic:
- Consumer electronics
- Rechargeable batteries
- Automotive and avionic systems
- Industrial systems
- Home renovation and construction
Panasonic has many popular products in its portfolio, notably televisions, cameras, home cinema systems, microwaves and air fryers.
Notable acquisitions and subsidiaries related to Panasonic:
Blue Yonder
In 2021, Panasonic Corporation completed its acquisition of Blue Yonder, an end-to-end supply chain software provider, for $7.1 billion, solidifying Panasonic's shift toward software-driven business models. Initially in July 2020, Panasonic acquired a 20% stake in Blue Yonder for $791 million which gained it a seat on Blue Yonder's board.
Omni-ID
In April 2019, Panasonic Corporation acquired the ProVIEW Solutions Business Unit (formerly part of Omni-ID). Panasonic aimed to bolster its capabilities in the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) space by integrating ProVIEW's material flow management solutions. Find more IoT news here.
SANYO Electric Co., Ltd
In December 2009, Panasonic acquired the majority voting stock of SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. SANYO became a consolidated subsidiary of Panasonic and continued to trade as a Panasonic Group company until 2011 when the SANYO brand disappeared. Prior to the acquisition, in 1952 SANYO produced Japan's first plastic radio.
Zetes
Panasonic acquired a majority stake in Zetes, a company known for its goods and people identification and mobility solutions. The acquisition took place in December 2016. Prior to the acquisition, Zetes was known for providing IT solutions for supply chain optimisation and citizen identification solutions. The company had a significant presence with high-profile projects including the Belgian ID cards, drivers licenses, and passports, as well as the Portuguese ID card, the Ivorian passport, and Gambia's biometric passport.
AdComms
Panasonic acquired the UK-based integration specialist, Alan Dick Communications, in June 2016. Following the acquisition, the company began trading under the name AdComms. The acquisition included the AdComms companies IPS, AIB and Rail Order, allowing Panasonic to expand into the rail market. AdComms have been involved in many notable railway projects in the UK, including the main line rail and London's underground.
TeraDiode
Panasonic acquired all shares of the US-based laser start-up, TeraDiode Inc in January 2017. TeraDiode had already begun a strategic alliance with Panasonic in 2013 where they went on to launch the world's first laser welding robot system. The acquisition was expected to accelerate the growth of Panasonic's B2B business.
Panasonic and the Olympic Games
Panasonic has been a worldwide partner of the Olympic Games since 1987 and of the Paralympic Games since 2014. At the Olympic Winter Games Calgary 1988, Panasonic provided equipment support to various broadcast stations. Since, Panasonic have assisted in many different ways including assisting with 360-degree live cameras.
Headquarters: Kadoma, Osaka, Japan
Founded: March 7, 1918 (as Matsushita Electric Housewares Manufacturing Works)
Founder: Kōnosuke Matsushita
Area Served: Worldwide