What's the consumer electronic world coming to?

First IBM sold its personal computer business to an outfit out of China. Now comes word that GE may be selling its appliance division.

Is there a better known, more recognizable, household consumer electronic brand in the United States than GE? Sure, you'll now find more Whirlpool appliances in U.S. homes these days, but GE has been around for more than 100 years. Apparently, however, the brand's U.S. success hasn't been duplicated in foreign markets and that has led to the discussions that range from a partnership, a joint venture, a spinoff to shareholders or an outright sale. The appliance division accounted for only 4 percent of GE's total revenues for 2007.

GE Chief Executive Jeffrey Immelt issued the following statement Friday:

"GE appliances has a very strong brand, great distribution, a talented leadership team and for more than 100 years, has been one of the icons associated with GE in the United States. However, it remains primarily a U.S. business, meaning its fortunes are tied to the rise and fall of a single market. We want to make this good business great again by finding the right strategic solution -- a solution that will give appliances the global reach and investment required to compete more effectively."

I'm willing to bet that if a sale does go through, it will not be to a U.S. company.