SCE Unit To Use 11 Alliances To Promote PlayStation2
Posted by @ 3:53 PM, EST
Interesting stuff straight from The Nihon Keizai Shimbun Friday morning edition:

"TOKYO --Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. on Thursday said that 11 companies in different fields, ranging from convenience stores to game developers, will invest in its new e-commerce unit, aiming to broaden the reach of the new home game console, PlayStation2.

SCE is soliciting shareholders from different fields to "create a common public platform" for the console, SCE President Ken Kutaragi said. The company believes the widespread use of PlayStation2 is expected to rapidly expand the e-commerce market for individuals.

PlayStation.com Japan Inc. will conduct at the end of March a private placement of new shares, equivalent to roughly 20% of its stake, to Seven-Eleven Japan Co, Tsutaya video rental shop operator Culture Convenience Club, toy wholesalers like Happinet Corp. and game developers such as Namco Ltd."