Sony’s officials released a statement today, addressing the rumors about the company’s intentions to continue closing some of its Japanese factories and major divisions. According to the news release, the reports about Sony’s plans are completely false, as the current pace of its activity does not demand such a measure.

Looking to make it as clear as possible, Sony spokesman Atsuo Omagari said: "We do not plan to announce additional restructuring measures at this time."  

The company will carry on with the measures announced on December 9, as it plans to cut 8,000 full time jobs (5 percent of its entire electronics workforce) and also 8,000 seasonal and part-time workers. At the time, Sony’s officials explained that the decision was forced by a “much” larger-than-anticipated deterioration in the economy. Considering the fact that this process is currently in motion, it should have been a sign that there are no other plans for job cuts, as the company will want to analyze the results of its first changes, before making new ones.

The officials also announced that their intentions include curtailing investments, farming out production and also moving away from unprofitable businesses, with a deadline set on March 2010,  in order to save more than 100 billion yen ($1.1 billion) a year.

The rumors were started by the London Times newspaper, which presented the view of some anonymous sources that claim Sony is ready for a series of "sacred-cow slaying" measures that would abolish some of its domestic operations and seriously transform its business plans for the future. The report also noted that the company is probably waiting for the CES 2009 to end in order to make its official announcement.