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Toshiba

Japanese multinational electronics company

Toshiba, a technology company based in Tokyo, Japan, offers a wide range of products and services including electronics, semiconductors, and IT solutions. Known for its history and technological innovations, Toshiba faced challenges due to an accounting scandal and bankruptcy of a subsidiary. In 2023, Toshiba split into three separate companies, but faced opposition from stockholders. Eventually, it accepted a buyout offer and was transferred to a new parent company.

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Timeline

Birth of Hisashige Tanaka

Hisashige Tanaka, the founder of precursors to Toshiba, was born on October 18, 1799.

Commission of Hisashige Tanaka to Develop Telegraphic Equipment

In 1873, the Ministry of Engineering in Japan tasked Hisashige Tanaka with creating telegraphic equipment to aid in the country's modernization efforts. Tanaka established a factory in Tokyo in 1875 to fulfill the increasing government demands, laying the foundation for what would later become Toshiba.

Founding of Toshiba Company

Toshiba Company was founded in 1875, making it one of the oldest tech companies in the world. It has been a key player in the electronics and communications industry for almost 150 years.

Establishment of Toshiba Factory in Ginza's 'Blick Town'

In 1881, Toshiba set up a factory in Ginza's 'Blick Town,' marking the beginnings of the renowned electronics company.

Establishment of Hakunetsusha

Hakunetsusha, later known as Tokyo Denki, was founded to manufacture lightbulbs and also constructed the first power generator in Japan. It eventually became part of the Toshiba conglomerate.

Tokyo Denki established

In 1899, Hakunetsu-sha & Co., Ltd. evolved into Tokyo Denki, becoming Japan's first manufacturer of incandescent lamps.

Incorporation and Renaming to Shibaura Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

In 1904, Toshiba's business was officially incorporated and the company was renamed as Shibaura Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

Merger of Hakunetsu-sha & Co., Ltd. and Tokyo Denki

In 1939, Hakunetsu-sha & Co., Ltd. and Tokyo Denki merged to form Tokyo Shibaura Denki, later known as Toshiba, a prominent integrated electric equipment manufacturer.

Toshiba's stocks shares listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange

Toshiba's stocks shares were listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in May 1949.

Economic Downturn Following First Oil Crisis

Toshiba increased investment in research and development after the economic downturn caused by the first oil crisis in 1973. The company believed that profits and technology were essential for corporate growth.

Introduction of Toshiba Building

A few years after Tokyo Shibaura Denki changed its name to Toshiba, the company completed its new head office, known as the Toshiba Building.

Change of name to Toshiba Corporation

In 1984, Tokyo Shibaura Electric Co.,Ltd changed its name to Toshiba Corporation.

Toshiba invents first laptop personal computer in Japan

In 1986, Toshiba made history by inventing the first laptop personal computer in Japan, establishing itself as a leader in Japanese electronics.

Toshiba-Kongsberg scandal

In 1987, Tocibai Machine, a subsidiary of Toshiba, was accused of illegally selling CNC milling machines to the Soviet Union, violating the CoCom agreement. This incident strained relations between the United States and Japan, leading to the arrest of senior executives and sanctions on the company.

Development of Japan's First HDTV Transceiver Device

Toshiba achieved a milestone by developing Japan's first transceiver device for HDTV systems, showcasing its technological advancement.

Release of World's First Non-Latchup IGBT

Toshiba made history by releasing the world's first non-latchup IGBT, a significant innovation in the field of power electronics.

Development of 1-Megabit CMOS DRAM

Toshiba's development of the 1-megabit CMOS DRAM marked a breakthrough in memory technology, setting new standards in the industry.

Introduction of World's First Laptop PCs

Toshiba introduced the world's first laptop personal computers, revolutionizing the way people interacted with technology on the go.

Development of Superconducting MRI Systems

Toshiba's development of superconducting MRI systems showcased its commitment to advancing healthcare technology with innovative solutions.

Development of the world's first MPEG 4 graphical data compression and expansion LSI

Toshiba developed the first MPEG 4 graphical data compression and expansion LSI, which revolutionized the way graphical data was compressed and expanded.

Development of 16-Megabit DRAM

Toshiba's development of the 16-megabit dynamic RAM further solidified its position as a key player in the semiconductor industry.

Design of the Cell Broadband Engine

In cooperation with Sony Corporation and IBM, Toshiba designed the Cell Broadband Engine over a four-year period beginning in 2001. This advanced computer chip has multiple applications, from supercomputers to high-definition televisions to electronic game systems.

Toshiba Wins Bid for Westinghouse Electric Company

Toshiba won the bid to acquire Westinghouse Electric Company for $5 billion, surprising industry experts and raising questions about the timing of the sale.

Acquisition of Westinghouse by Toshiba

Toshiba completed the acquisition of Westinghouse for $5.4 billion, with Toshiba obtaining a 77 percent share.

Commercialized 'Aquilion ONE™', 320-slice Dynamic Volume CT system

In 2007, Toshiba launched the 'Aquilion ONE™', a cutting-edge CT system capable of capturing complete images of the heart or brain in a single rotation, enhancing medical diagnostics.

Discontinuation of HD DVD format

Toshiba announced the discontinuation of its HD DVD storage format, the successor of DVD, after losing in a format war against Blu-ray. The decision was made due to major US film studios backing the Blu-ray format.

Toshiba Acquires HDD Business of Fujitsu

Toshiba acquired the HDD business of Fujitsu in January 2009.

Toshiba Acquires Landis+Gyr

Toshiba agreed to acquire all shares of Landis+Gyr, a Swiss-based advanced-power-meter maker, for $2.3 billion.

Toshiba Completes Acquisition of Vijai Electricals Limited Plant

Toshiba completed the acquisition of Vijai Electricals Limited plant in Hyderabad, India, establishing its base for manufacturing transmission and distribution products.

Toshiba acquires OCZ Storage Solutions

In January 2014, Toshiba completed the acquisition of OCZ Storage Solutions, purchasing nearly all of OCZ's assets for $35 million. OCZ Technology Group became a new subsidiary of Toshiba named OCZ Storage Solutions.

Toshiba announces accounting scandal

In May 2015, Toshiba revealed an accounting scandal that led to inflated profits by $1.2 billion over seven years. CEO Hisao Tanaka resigned, and other senior officials also stepped down.

Toshiba shares fall to lowest point in two and a half years

In September 2015, Toshiba's shares dropped to their lowest level in two and a half years due to net losses of 12.3 billion yen. The company cited poor performances in various business sectors.

Toshiba sells image sensor business to Sony

In October 2015, Toshiba sold its image sensor business to Sony as part of its strategic business decisions.

Toshiba Market Value Drop

In December 2015, Muromachi announced that Toshiba had lost about $8 billion in market value due to an episode. He predicted a record annual loss and mentioned the need for restructuring in the TV and computer businesses.

Toshiba Semiconductor Plant Construction

In March 2016, Toshiba planned to build a state-of-the-art semiconductor plant in Japan to produce chips based on ultra-dense flash technology, with an estimated cost of $3.2 billion.

Toshiba Westinghouse Subsidiary Losses

In late December 2016, Toshiba revealed significant losses in its Westinghouse subsidiary due to the Vogtle Electric Generating Plant construction, leading to a potential bankruptcy threat.

Westinghouse files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection

Westinghouse, the nuclear construction subsidiary of Toshiba, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection due to construction delays, regulatory changes, and cost overruns at nuclear facilities in Georgia and South Carolina.

Toshiba sells memory chip business to Bain Capital

Toshiba's board approved a deal to sell its memory chip business to a group led by Bain Capital for US$18 billion, securing financial backing from companies like Apple, Dell Technologies, and others. The newly independent company was named Toshiba Memory Corporation, later renamed Kioxia.

Hisense acquires 95% of Toshiba Visual Solutions

Hisense reached a deal to acquire 95% of Toshiba Visual Solutions (television sets) for US$113.6 million, expanding its presence in the visual technology market.

Toshiba completes sale of Westinghouse's holding company

Toshiba announced the completion of the sale of Westinghouse's holding company to Brookfield Business Partners and partners for $4.6 billion, as part of restructuring efforts after financial challenges.

Toshiba appoints non-Japanese investors to its board

Toshiba announced that it would include non-Japanese investors on its board for the first time in nearly 80 years, signaling a shift in the company's corporate governance.

End of the Timeline
Toshiba

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