According to sources, the Chinese online trading giant Alibaba is currently examining the possibilities for its video business. Specifically, it is about the streaming platforms Youku and Tudou, which could possibly be integrated into the film company Alibaba Pictures, reports the Bloomberg news agency on Tuesday, citing people who are familiar with the matter. In doing so, the group wants to strengthen the film company listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange.
The deliberations are part of Alibaba’s restructuring plans, which are intended to boost growth on the one hand and create independent market leaders in various areas such as cloud computing and logistics on the other. Against this backdrop, the departure of longtime Alibaba CEO Daniel Zhang last month came as quite a surprise.
The consultations regarding the video platforms are still at an early stage, it is said. Alibaba could also explore other options, such as a separate listing. Alibaba and Alibaba Pictures have not yet commented on the matter. Alibaba Pictures’ shares have fallen 45 percent over the past year, valuing the company at around $1.5 billion. (dpa)