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