Ericsson mobiles to disappear next summer

All-conquering Sony is the future...

Ericsson mobile phones will disappear in July next year as the firm's alliance with Sony takes effect and the company's products are marketed and sold jointly.

London-based Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications will start operations next October, marrying the Swedish firm's technology to Sony's expertise in the consumer market.

According to the Financial Times, the two companies have yet to announce whether the phones will be sold under the Sony name, or whether there will be an entirely new brand.

The Ericsson-Sony alliance is expected to have approximately 10 per cent of global market share from day one.