Samsung Throws Lifeline to Sharp as Focus Shifts to OLED

Samsung Electronics Co.’s investment in struggling Sharp Corp. signals that the world’s top seller of TVs is accelerating a shift toward higher-end sets using OLED technology as it tries to widen the gap with Sony Corp.

The South Korean company will acquire 3 percent of unprofitable Sharp for 10.4 billion yen ($111 million) to secure liquid-crystal displays for smartphones and televisions. Samsung is emphasizing organic light-emitting diode technology offering sharper, brighter images while consuming less power.