Happy birthday Sony Ericsson

Sony Ericsson (NYSE: SNE) reaches its 5th anniversary today and the company has much to celebrate. From a start-up position five years ago, Sony Ericsson has become one of the world’s most appealing mobile communications brands. The company, which is a 50:50 joint venture between Sony and Ericsson, was created in October 2001 and is now the world’s 4th largest telecoms manufacturer with the aim of becoming one of the top three.

Key Achievements:

• 2001 – Sony Ericsson founded as 50:50 joint venture between Sony Corporation and Ericsson
• 2002 – First products on the market
• 2003 – Launch of the T610 – a handset that would soon be deemed iconic
• 2004 – GSM Association votes V800 Best 3G Handset K750i receives TIPA Award 2005 for “Best Mobile Imaging Device”
• 2005 – First affordable 3G handset, the K600 First Walkman branded music phone Global, six-year title sponsorship of Women’s Tennis Association Tour – renamed the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour First to market for handsets with Java 3D-enabled gaming
• 2006 – First Cyber-shot branded imaging phone Bluetooth-enabled watch Walkman phones in market exceed 10 million Announcement of Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, March 2007 Reaches No 4 in mobile phone provider’s league table New brand identity

Here’s the full release.