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Electronics giant Philips plans to stop selling flat-screen televisions in New Zealand.
The company also says it will not renew its All Blacks sponsorship effective January 31. Philips has been a major sponsor for 15 years.
"Philips New Zealand and the All Blacks have had a tremendous working relationship which has spanned 15 years engaging employees and fans," said a Philips statement.
"The Philips Tri Nations remains one of the world's most keenly contested competitions in world rugby - as evidenced by the closeness of this year's series - and we at Philips have been particularly proud to be a part of this competition and bringing it in New Zealand."
Philips' Australasian spokeswoman Sarah Campbell says that the company will quit the New Zealand and Australian TV marketplace as it rethinks its global TV policy.
"The company has said that it is taking decisive steps to optimise the business in televisions globally," she said this afternoon. "This is the outcome of that."
Philips will concentrate on Europe, Brazil, Russia, India and China for its television business.
She says other Philips consumer electronics available in New Zealand - such as home theatre, portable audio and DVD players - will not be affected.
Philips lighting and health business will also not change.
- NZ HERALD STAFF
