Ericsson Group (Telefonaktiebolaget L. M. Ericsson) is a world-renowned manufacturer of telecommunications systems and equipment, founded in 1876 and headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. In 2001, it merged with Japan to form Sony Ericsson, and in 2012, it sold its shareholding to Sony, focusing on the provision of wireless networks and mobile telecommunications equipment. Ericsson holds a large number of patents in 2G, 3G and 4G. In the 2013 World Top 500 ranking, Ericsson Group was ranked 333rd.