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Internal memo confirms Softbank reorg

The long-anticipated reorganization by Japanese technology giant Softbank Corp. of its biggest technology "content" properties took another step toward official status.
Written by Patrick Houston, Contributor

The long-anticipated reorganization by Japanese technology giant Softbank Corp. of its biggest technology "content" properties took another step toward official status.

In a memo circulated among his employees at Ziff-Davis Inc., CEO Eric Hippeau confirmed that Softbank will combine its Comdex and Softbank Forums trade show properties into a single unit and fold them into Ziff-Davis, the technology media publishing company acquired by Softbank two years ago. The new combo, to be known as ZD Comdex & Forums, will be headed by Softbank Comdex head Jason Chudnofsky.

"Uniting these companies with Ziff-Davis will strengthen our position as a major force in the digital information industry," Hippeau wrote in the memo. "It makes us the world's leading, and in fact largest, integrated media company focused on technology." ZD has media operations in more than 100 countries. The ZD Comdex & Forums group produces more than 80 trade shows and events in 25 countries.

Hippeau's memo cited marketing as the main reason for the reorg.

"The high tech marketers we serve are increasingly expected to deliver global brand marketing programs," he wrote. Now, "Marketers will find it easier than ever to weave together appropriate combinations of media" from among the combined units.

Hippeau said these changes, along with other yet-to-be-determined specifics, will be officially announced at Comdex/Fall '97, the giant computing trade show held every year in mid-November. Ziff-Davis publishes ZDNN.

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