Sybase Splits Company Into 4 Divisions

Sybase Inc. said it will divide the company into four units to improve its focus in areas that are growing more rapidly than its main database business. The Emeryville, Calif.-based company has struggled to return to rapid growth in revenue and profit amid slowing demand for its database software. Sybase is trying to sell more software that links mobile computers to corporate systems, tools for developers of Internet programs and software that lets companies more efficiently use databases. The restructuring comes after Chairman Mitchell Kertzman left Sybase last month. John Chen, who replaced Kertzman as chairman, said he has been working on the restructuring plan for about a year. Sybase shares rose 25 cents to $7.06 on Nasdaq.