Frans van Houten said that in order to restore the old Philips vitality to the face of economic turmoil, layoffs as a necessary evil.

万豪敦说，为使飞利浦恢复旧有活力以面对经济风暴，裁员为必要之恶。

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"We reiterate our view of a slow first half to 2013, due to adverse market trends, especially in Europe and the U.S., " said Chief Executive Frans van Houten in a statement.

NPR: Philips First Quarter Profits Fall As Sales Slip

"With this transaction we are taking another step in reshaping the Consumer Lifestyle portfolio and transforming Philips into the leading technology company in Health and Well-being, " said Philips Chief Executive Officer Frans van Houten.

ENGADGET: Philips sells off its Hi-Fi and DVD business to Funai for $201 million

However, chief executive Frans van Houten said he expected sales to remain subdued in the first half of this year, because of the "challenging market" in the US and Europe, which account for well over half of Philips' revenues.

BBC: Philips to exit hi-fis and DVD players