Sony is reportedly in talks to sell its loss-making Vaio PC unit.

Sources say Sony is negotiating with private equity fund Japan Industrial Partners for it to take over the division.

The Vaio brand is facing severe competition from low-cost Asian PC makers and drooping sales amid the smartphone boom.

Sony is trying to revive its fortunes under CEO Kazuo Hirai.

Under the proposed deal, Sony would transfer its Vaio operations to a new company at Japan Industrial Partners.

Just last month, Japan Industrial Partners bought NEC’s internet service unit.