Sony has confirmed that it is to buy out mobile manufacturing partner Ericsson taking full control of the Sony Ericsson brand responsible for the likes of the Xperia Ray and Xperia Arc S devices.

In an effort to close the gap on smartphone rivals such as Samsung, Motorola and HTC, Sony has confirmed that it is to purchase the 50 per cent share of the Sony Ericsson collaboration previously held by the Swedish mobile powerhouse Ericsson.

It is believed Sony will part with 1.05 billion euros (£916 million) in order.