Here is a list companies that have “hit the rocks” in terms of mobile phone profitability and their fates (in no particular order).
Alcatel of France. Sold its brand and operations to TCL Communications of China in 2004.
Siemens of Germany. Exited in 2005 through acquisition by BenQ of Taiwan.
BenQ of Taiwan. Mobile devices division declared bankruptcy in 2006.
Ericsson of Sweden. Exited by merging with Sony in 2001 even though third in volume share the prior year.
Sony of Japan. Joined with Ericsson to form Sony Ericsson in 2001. Held less than 1% share prior to merger.
Motorola of the United States. Even though once the largest vendors, after a period of severe distress, Motorola spun off Motorola Mobility. Market value shows long-term viability still a concern, being bought by google.
Casio of Japan. Merged with NEC and Hitachi in 2010.
NEC of Japan. Merged phone units with Casio and Hitachi in 2010.
Hitachi of Japan. Merged phone units with NEC and Casio in 2010.
Fujitsu of Japan. Merged with Toshiba in 2010. Held 15 percent of Japanese market prior to merger.
Toshiba of Japan. Merged with Fujitsu in 2010. Held 4% share in Japan.
Palm of the United States. Sold to HP in 2010.
Handspring of the United States. Sold to Palm in 2003.