Corel to Sell Linux

Corel Corp., maker of WordPerfect and CorelDraw software, said it plans to sell its Linux computer-operating system business as part of a strategy to return to profitability by midyear. Corel said it will hold a stake in the Linux business after it’s sold. It will continue to make programs that work on the Linux operating system, which is an alternative to Microsoft Corp.’s dominant Windows. The announcement marks a new strategy under the leadership of Chief Executive Derek Burney, who took over after founder Michael Cowpland quit in August. The Ottawa-based company said its new plan will increase sales by at least 20% a year for the next three years. Corel shares closed off 84 cents at $3.03 on Nasdaq.