New services and restructuring set Softbank on the path to income growth

Under a strategy aimed at increasing revenues and net profit by 20% in 2002, computer systems integrator Softbank will next month begin working with TDC NetPower of Denmark to offer computer leasing and electronic transaction pr otection services. "Together with TDC we have prepared the offer for small and medium-sized telecom firms. Our first client will be Net2Net," said Sof tbank chairman Aleksander Lesz. The venture with TDC is part of a strategy to provide new services for the telecom sector. The firm is also planning to expand its business in high margin products, such as its Internet portal Ex pander, which is to launch off-line services in the financial sector. Along side the introduction of new services, Softbank is undertaking a major rest ructuring that will include moving its service and software units outside W arsaw. The company also plans to reduce its workforce by around 100 people before the end of this year. (Prawo i Gospodarka, p. 11) J.K.