MSN Plans to Expand to 24 Areas Worldwide

Microsoft Corp. said it will expand its MSN Internet services and products to 24 countries and regions around the world by the end of the year. The world’s biggest software maker said it will link up with local partners, including South China Morning Post Ltd., to introduce Web sites with local content in 13 languages. The new sites will be rolled out gradually across Europe, Asia, Latin America and Africa, bringing to 31 the number of countries and regions where MSN is available. MSN competes against No. 1 Internet search directory Yahoo and No. 1 online service America Online, which have established firm footholds outside the U.S., analysts said. Shares in Redmond, Wash.-based Microsoft fell $6 to close at $104.06 on Nasdaq.