Technology is the universal language, making our content relevant to the growing worldwide population that relies on technology as a staple of home and work life. We are serious about delivering our trusted brand of content, community and services to all technology users, in local versions that speak their language and cover their region's businesses and issues. ZDNet China was established in 1997 through a relationship between a local Chinese partner and a joint venture in which Ziff-Davis Inc. owned 65 percent. Through its latest investment, ZDNet acquired the 35 percent interest in the joint venture owned by Richina Media and Entertainment. Through its news, product reviews, technology help and downloads, ZDNet China has become one of the most popular sites in the country.
China is regarded as one of the largest Internet growth markets.
It's 8.9 million Internet users constitute a miniscule portion of the country's 1.4 billion population. According to a report by the Associated Press, Internet users in China are expected to increase to 85 million within the next 10 years. Our investment will enable us to better focus on expanding ZDNet China's content and services, building on our already well established brand. ZDNet's investment in ZDNet China comes on the heels of the company's aggressive Asia Pacific expansion. ZDNet offers an enormous depth and breadth of original, fresh content that it serves to a growing audience ranging from IT professionals, to families, to gamers.