ANXeBusiness Corp and Mitsubishi Launch Asia-Pacific
Company
Tokyo-based Venture to Offer ANX(r) Network Solutions and Services to Japan
And Asia Pacific Region
TOKYO and SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Aug. 28 ANXeBusiness Corp and
Mitsubishi Corporation (MC) today announced the formation of ANXeBusiness
Asia-Pacific Co. Ltd., a joint venture between the two companies that will
offer B2B solutions for the Japanese and Asia Pacific trading communities.
With headquarters in Tokyo, ANXeBusiness Asia-Pacific Co. Ltd. will
combine the regional expertise and business leadership of Mitsubishi
Corporation, one of the world's most diverse enterprises, with the ANX(r)
Network and its accompanying applications. The ANX Network currently links
more than 900 companies, including automotive, financial, health care,
aerospace, and other vertical markets. Mitsubishi's business initiatives
comprise 7 groups: New Businesses, IT & Electronics, Energy Business, Metals,
Machinery, Chemicals and Living Essentials.
The launch of ANXeBusiness Corp Asia-Pacific Co. Ltd. is the result of a
strategic partnership that was announced on July 9, 2001, between Mitsubishi
and ANXeBusiness majority owner Science Applications International Corporation
(SAIC). The partnership announcement disclosed Mitsubishi's acquisition of a
20 percent interest in ANXeBusiness Corp and its plans to promote the
implementation of the ANX Network throughout its worldwide trading community.
According to Yankee Group's Zeus Kerravala, director, E-Networks & Broadband
Access, "The investment by Mitsubishi enforces ANX's position as the de facto
standard network provider for any company in the automotive industry and
solidifies its position as a premier network provider."
Kerravala added, "This is truly a win-win situation for Mitsubishi and
ANXeBusiness Corp. Mitsubishi will realize a cost savings from lower operation
expenses, a consolidation of its network, and it will receive a better
communications infrastructure between its subsidiaries and business partners."
"ANXeBusiness Asia-Pacific Co. Ltd. has been established to add value for
our current customers by expanding both the geographic and industry breadth of
the ANX Network," said ANXeBusiness Corp President and Chief Executive Officer
Alexander J. Preston. "This joint venture also will enable new ANX trading
partners in Japan and the Asia-Pacific region to connect with their North
American subsidiaries, partners, customers and suppliers who are already using
the ANX Network."
"ANXeBusiness Asia-Pacific Co. Ltd. will help increase the number of
companies in the Asia-Pacific region that are a part of the global ANX
community, increasing the value of ANX service to all concerned," said Norio
Okaido, Mitsubishi chief of staff, e-solutions. "Through .Commerce ("dot
commerce"), Mitsubishi Corporation's new business model, the company is now
seeking to create even more value for all stakeholders. It is leveraging its
competitive advantages in the so-called Old Economy to lift commerce to a new
level. This involves integrating strengths of the New (online) Economy into
Old Economy business models, and vice versa."
Richard Stanbaugh, vice president of strategic initiatives for
ANXeBusiness Corp, will be chief executive officer of ANXeBusiness Asia-
Pacific Co. Ltd., and Gen Kimitsuka, manager of the new business initiative
group of Mitsubishi Corporation, will be chief operating officer. Stanbaugh
and Kimitsuka also will serve on the company's board of directors, along with
Preston, Okaido and William Kelly, corporate vice president of SAIC.
"ANXeBusiness Asia-Pacific-Co. Ltd. is a first step in demonstrating our
commitment to providing business solutions to companies in this important
region," said Stanbaugh. "By integrating the expertise of both companies, we
will offer a range of business solutions that should help our customers
deliver products to market faster and at a lower cost."
Mitsubishi Corporation is one of the world's most diverse enterprises.
Generally classified as a trading company, Mitsubishi Corporation has decades
of experience doing business around the world, experience that has made it
more than just a leader in international trade. The company's seven business
groups -- New Business Initiatives, IT & Electronics, Energy, Metals,
Machinery, Chemicals and Living Essentials -- work closely with clients to
develop new business opportunities. Project coordination, sourcing of raw
materials, capital investments and development of sales channels are typical
of the ways Mitsubishi Corporation creates value for business partners,
customers and shareholders.