IBM Wants to Sell Global Network Unit

IBM Corp. is looking to sell its Global Network business for $3 billion to $4 billion, people familiar with IBM’s plan said. Armonk, N.Y.-based IBM, the world’s biggest computer maker, declined to comment. Sale of the network, which provides consumer hookups to the Internet and is used by companies to send information worldwide, was first reported in the Wall Street Journal. IBM wants to shed the expense of maintaining the vast computer network and focus instead on the more lucrative software and consulting services that corporations need for their global communications. Companies that have shown an interest in the unit include SBC Communications Inc., Ameritech Corp., US West Inc., GTE Corp., AT&T; Corp., British Telecommunications and several Internet providers, one person familiar with the plan said. IBM shares rose $5.31 to close at $117.94 on the NYSE.