New strategy for M-F after United merger

<p>Miller-Freeman Worldwide is implementing a new strategy for the </p><p>group in the wake of the merger between its parent company, United News </p><p>& Media with Carlton Communications. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Chief operating officer of the new company, Mr Charles Stern and MF CEO </p><p>Tony Tillen, announced the plans, saying: "There have to be divestments </p><p>as well as acquisitions in order to ensure that businesses ended up in </p><p>the most appropriate home to ensure their long-term future." </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>To capitalise on growing Internet potential, some M-F businesses will be </p><p>developed with strong Internet divisions, with the recent acquisition of </p><p>US-based CMP and its Web operations an indication of development in that </p><p>direction. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>The officials said that in order to finance such projects, other </p><p>businesses would have to be sold. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>While far-reaching changes are planned in the corporation's US and </p><p>European operations, little is expected to change in Asia. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>For those properties remaining within the United group, plans are </p><p>underway to invest in Web-based operations to exploit ecommerce </p><p>potential. The objective is to ensure "a premium value added service to </p><p>customers in order to grow the business to its full potential". </p><p><BR><BR> </p>