Tokyo - The loss-making mobile phone maker Sony Ericsson needs at least 100 million dollars in new finance, a spokesman for the parent company Sony said Tuesday.

Several possible sources are currently being considered, the spokesman said.

Nobuyuki Oneda, Sony's chief financial officer, last week revealed that the company needed more money.

Sony Ericsson has been hit hard by the economic crisis, with a collapse in sales.

About 2,000 employees of the company's 10,000-strong staff are scheduled lose their jobs due to the company being deep in the red.

Earnings this business year will be weak as it falls between the introduction of new products, Oneda told the leading Japanese financial daily Nikkei. He said that was the reason for needing more capital.

Sony and the Swedish telecom equipment manufacturer Ericsson own equal shares of Sony Ericsson.(dpa)