Microsoft and Internet Gold Partner on MSN Israel

Strategic Insights -

Microsoft Corporation and Internet Gold, an Israeli Internet service provider, are collaborating on the launch of a Hebrew-language version of the MSN Web portal, known as MSN Israel. The partnership, announced in October, has resulted in a significant spike in Internet Gold's stock price, with shares increasing by over 103 percent to nearly $29. The MSN Israel portal, scheduled to launch by January 2000, will offer most MSN features in Hebrew, including email, online shopping, instant messaging, and search and e-commerce services.

Key Takeaways:

  • Internet Gold's stock price increased by over 103 percent to nearly $29 after the announcement of the Microsoft partnership.
  • The MSN Israel portal will offer most MSN features in Hebrew, including email, online shopping, instant messaging, and search and e-commerce services.
  • Microsoft will provide the technology and distribution rights to the MSN brand, while Internet Gold will own 50.1 percent of the new company established to administer MSN Israel.
  • The partnership aims to make MSN Israel the most significant player in Israel's content market.
  • Internet Gold has a nationwide network with 14 points of presence, allowing approximately 95 percent of the Israeli population to connect with a local telephone call.
  • Eli Holtzman, Internet Gold's CEO, expects the MSN Israel portal to bring global recognition to the company.
  • The partnership is a significant achievement in Internet Gold's strategy to establish itself as a leading Israeli Internet content company.

Statistics:

  • Internet Gold's stock price increased by over 103 percent to nearly $29.
  • The MSN Israel portal is scheduled to launch by January 2000.
  • Microsoft will own 49.9 percent of the new company established to administer MSN Israel.
  • Internet Gold will own 50.1 percent of the new company.
  • Approximately 95 percent of the Israeli population can connect to the Internet through Internet Gold's nationwide network with 14 points of presence.

Sources:

  • Internet Gold: http://www.zahav.net.il
  • Newsbytes.com: http://www.newsbytes.com (19991228/Press contact: Eli Holtzman, 972-3-902-0000 /WIRES ONLINE, BUSINESS/)