Sony (SNE) plans to sell its professional digital photo printer business to Dai Nippon Printing, the companies announced Monday. Sony will retain the right to manufacture professional-grade printers and maintain its medical related professional printing operations.

But the sale marks the exit of Sony's efforts to market its professional printers to such groups as portrait studios, retail outlets that offer photofinishing, and event photographers. Last year, for example, Sony unveiled its UP-DR80 professional dye-sublimation printer.

The deal is expected to close April 1, 2011, subject to regulatory approval. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.