Sony Ericsson, the 50/50 joint venture between Ericsson and Sony Corporation, today announced that the company sees moderating growth of mobile phone units with related effects on sales and profit in the first quarter 2008.

As Sony Ericsson announced today, sales are expected to decline slightly but net income before tax (NIBT) is estimated to be in the range of EUR 150-200 m. due to increased operating expenses as a percentage of sales compared with the same period of 2007. In addition to the smaller contribution to Ericsson's share in earnings of joint ventures and associated companies, sales and operating income of Ericsson Mobile Platforms, which is reported as part of Segment Multimedia, will be negatively affected by SEK 200-300 m.

Ericsson reports results of the first quarter 2008 on April 25, 2008.