The production plants behind the CPU of the PlayStation 3 are owned by Sony, which is expected, but soon they may be sold off to another Japanese electronics company. 

However, Sony the company may be taking steps to to sell its Cell Broadband Engine and other advanced chip production lines to Toshiba. Japanese-based Nikkei reports that the operations will be sold for around $870 million sometime next year.

Sony’s sale of its major chip plant may be part of Sir Howard Stringer’s plan to revitalize one of Japan’s most respected electronics companies. By ridding itself of the responsibilities of producing chips, the company may be able to better focus on what was once its core business – making audio and visual consumer electronics. 

Toshiba would likely view the acquisition of the new chip facilities as an opportunity for it to gain additional footing against its chip-making competitors, such as Intel and Samsung.

Toshiba is quickly becomign Japan's leading semiconductor expert.  With experience in everything from flash memory to high-end displays, taking the reins on Sony's Cell interests fits well with the company's existing portfolio.

Even after the sale of the plant, should it take place, Sony would likely be the main subcontrator of the facilities. Toshiba would hold the majority stake in the new operation, but Sony and its PlayStation arm would likely retain some form of control over chip production.