IDG to set up subsidiary

International Data Group (IDG) will soon set up a wholly owned Indian arm to print and publish its scientific and technical magazines including PC World, Computerworld, CIO and Outsourcing World.

However, the company would not be undertaking research activities in the area of computing, interactive entertainment and on-line services.

It is worth noting that, in the area of research, IDC, a IDG group company, has an agreement with Cyber Media India (CMIL) to undertake research in India and market IDC's worldwide research material here. CMIL will continue as a partner of IDG even after the foreign company sets up its Indian subsidiary.

Sources close to the development said the government is likely to permit IDG to set up its Indian subsidiary. The proposed activity of IDG comes under the government policy which permits 100 per cent foreign direct investment in the printing of publishing of scientific and technical magazines and publications with the prior permission of the government.

The decision to allow FDI in print media was taken by the Vajpayee government in 2002. Subsequent to which, two newspapers and about 17 Indian editions of foreign non news and non current affairs magazines and 13 foreign investments by international publications in various Indian non news and current affairs publications were cleared by the government.

The Indian arm of IDG will also print and publish the parent company's technical and scientific books and reports in India. It will also undertake publishing of reports on the Indian technology industry as well. The Indian arm of IDG will also create and maintain content for the on-line networks and websites of IDG publications on the Indian IT market.

Besides, the global technology events organised by IDG will also soon come to India. The Indian arm will organise such conferences in India focusing on the Indian IT industry.

In addition, the Indian company will also provide editorial and production support services for IDG publications published elsewhere in the world.