Beijing, CHINA, April 24, 2001 - Leading Chinese Internet
portal SOHU.COM (Nasdaq:SOHU) announced that Hong Kong Beida Jade Bird Science
and Technology Ltd, a subsidiary of the Beijing University Jade Bird Group, has
become a strategic investor in SOHU.COM, holding an equity position of 8.63%. On
April 23, 2001, the Jade Bird Group filed Schedule 13D with the Securities and
Exchange Commission in connection with its acquisition of just over 3 million
shares of SOHU common stock from Intel Corp. (Nasdaq:INTC).
By taking this strategic stake in SOHU, the Jade Bird Group gives a clear
signal to the capital markets that domestic Chinese companies understand the
potential of the Mainland's Internet industry leader, and are willing to invest
in dynamic enterprises with a proven track record in giving value to their
customers. "We are delighted to add a strong local investor to our current
portfolio of international strategic backers. Companies like the Jade Bird Group
are close to the Chinese market and are therefore well-positioned to understand
SOHU's strong competitive position in China," said Charles Zhang, CEO and
president of SOHU.COM.
Beijing University Jade Bird Group is one of the flagship businesses set up
and owned by China's most prestigious academic institution, Beijing University.
The company has two listed subsidiaries on the Shanghai Stock Exchange and one
on the Hong Kong GEM board. These three public companies focus their research
and management expertise on developing software, IC chip designs, media services
and cable network operations.
SOHU.COM and the Jade Bird Group have complementary assets that could yield
strategic benefits. "The Jade Bird Group is an information technology leader
with interests in developing traditional media products and online education.
SOHU.COM is the leading Internet brand with nearly 20 million registered users
among China's most progressive and educated social demographic," Charles Zhang
commented.
"We are looking for dynamic entrepreneurial companies that we can team up
with to expand into profitable new business ventures and SOHU matches that
profile," said Xu Zhendong, CEO of Beijing University Jade Bird Group.
SOHU.COM recently surprised the market by announcing a strong 13% increase in
revenue for the first quarter and a solid 21% reduction in its quarterly burn
rate. "These positive financial signals make SOHU an excellent investment for
the Jade Bird Group," added Wang Chaoyong, Board Director of China Eagle
(Dapeng) Securities, who advised the Beijing University group on the purchase of
SOHU shares.
About SOHU.com SOHU.com is the leading Internet portal in
Mainland China with current daily page views exceeding 12 million. It provides
navigation/search, news, sports, business and finance, real estate channel,
entertainment, chat, email and e-commerce activities for a solid and wide base
of visitors. Dr. Charles Zhang founded SOHU.com in 1997. Its investors include
Intel, Dow Jones, IDG, the Morningside China Group, PCCW, Legend and Hikari. Its
content partners include CNET, DOW Jones and dozens of local media organizations
in China.
For further information: Dahlia Wei SOHU Investor
Relations and Communications Tel: +86 10 6272 6598 E-mail:
ir@sohu-inc.com
http://www.sohu.com/about/English/ |