Tom Online has teamed up with Luxembourg-based voice over internet protocol (VoIP) software developer Skype in a joint venture to explore business opportunities in China.
Tom, which provides mobile value-added services in China, holds 51 per cent of the venture, with Skype holding the remainder. No terms of the deal were available.
It is Skype's first joint venture with Tom since the two formed a partnership last year.
'China is a big market so Skype needs a partner to explore the market opportunity,' Tom vice-president Elaine Feng said.
Tom and Skype will inject all Skype-related business into the joint venture. The new company will focus on developing VoIP services for all internet users, not just Tom's.
'The new venture is a neutral platform for all portals in China. We hope other portals that do not have instant messenger services will join us,' Ms Feng said.