Novell acquires Onward stake in Onward Novell

Novell India has signed a definitive agreement to acquire 50% stake held by
its partner Onward in the joint venture company-Onward Novell-the sales and
distribution arm of Novell in India. Novell has been operating in India since
1992 as Onward Novell, a 50:50 joint venture with a local Indian partner.

Novell would integrate the Onward Novell organization with the company's
existing India operations. The company has not disclosed the financial details.
The transaction would be closed by end of this fiscal year. Rhonda O'Donnell,
President, Novell Asia Pacific would be heading the new organization until a new
managing director takes charge of operations.

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Praveen Sengar, Analyst, Software and Services Research, IDC India said,
"Novell's decision to take direct control of its business in India should
enable it to have more focus on the Indian market."

Onward Novell MD, Harish Mehta will continue to advise the wholly owned
Novell operation.

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