NEC Corporation has announced plans to merge its projector business NEC Viewtechnology and the desktop and large-screen LCD businesses of NEC Display Solutions effective April 1. Yoshiaki Tsuda will serve as president of the new combined NEC Display Solutions.

NEC Viewtechnology's projectors are currently marketed by the Visual System Division of NEC Corporation of America (NEC Visual System Division) in North America. After integration, NEC Display Solutions of America will lead the visual display business including projectors, plasma displays and LCD monitors in North America, the company said.

"The merger of these two NEC organizations will not only increase our operational efficiencies but it also enables the new company, NEC Display Solutions, Ltd. to offer a portfolio of products and display technologies unmatched by any supplier in the world," said TJ Trojan, president and COO at NEC Display Solutions of America. "The change will allow the company to deliver its technologies and solutions to our customers faster than ever and help us grow and expand our business."

In 2006, NEC's projector business was second worldwide in the business projector market, while continuing to build a global brand presence, the company said.

"NEC's strong network of resellers and solutions providers will see the greatest benefit from the merger," said Pierre Richer, senior vice president, NEC Visual Systems Division. "The convergence of programs and services will increase the ease and efficiency of doing business with NEC and provide an excellent opportunity for our channel partners to increase their revenue and profitability."