AOL Japan - a wholly owned subsidiary of America Online (AOL) - has been flogged to Japanese wholesale DSL outfit eAccess. The transfer of all business assets and employees is due to take place on 30 June and will cost eAccess 2.1bn yen ($18.33m), according to Reuters.

As part of the deal, the AOL brand will continue to operate in Japan with eAccess receiving content, hosting and other services from America Online. AOL reckons that the tie-up with eAccess and its broadband network gives it a cracking opportunity for continued future growth of its brand in Japan.

News of the acquisition coincided with an announcement that the chief exec of BT Wholesale, Paul Reynolds, has been appointed non-exec director of the Japanese broadband company.

Said Mr Reynolds: "eAccess is one of the most innovative companies in the broadband communications industry anywhere in the world today. It is focused on customer service and has clear ambitions for growth. I hope my appointment to the board of a Japanese broadband service provider will help the UK and Japanese communications industries share experiences and insights." ®

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