Microsoft Corp. plans to acquire the 50.1% it doesn’t already own in MSN Israel Ltd. from partner Internet Gold Ltd.
It said in a statement that they’re “discussing the terms of migration and possible future cooperation.” In the meantime, they’re still “working together to support employees, advertisers and users.”
MSN Israel, established in 2000, is part of the Redmond, Wash., software giant’s portal network, which operates in 44 countries.
In almost all these countries, Microsoft wholly owns the portals, the companies said. “Given the change in the parties’ online strategies, we have agreed it makes sense for Microsoft to operate msn.co.il independently,” IGLD Chief Executive Eli Holtzman said in the statement. He said the company is looking at a number of growth opportunities inside and outside Israel.