Sohu.com and the Walt Disney Internet Group (WDIG) recently announced an agreement that will leverage Sohu's China market expertise and consumer reach with WDIG's experience as a leading content provider across multiple business lines to deliver innovative Disney online and wireless content and services to China.

Beginning today Sohu will provide design, production and hosting services for Disney's Disney.com.cn web site. The company also has licensed Disney Mobile Short Messaging Services (SMS) and Multimedia Messaging Services (MMS) content for distribution via Disney.com.cn and the Sohu portal. The agreement follows a successful three-month trial cooperation in which Sohu built the official Chinese website for Disney/Pixar's Finding Nemo. The companies plan to expand into additional online content areas in the future.

"China presents a very strong market opportunity for WDIG. Chinese consumers are very sophisticated in their adoption of technology and we're pleased to localize our portfolio of products and services for the fast growing Chinese Internet and wireless audience. It is great new entertainment for Chinese users to discover," said Mark Handler, executive vice president and managing director for WDIG's international operations. "We spent a considerable amount of time analyzing the market and believe we have found a great operational and creative fit with the outstanding team at Sohu."

"This agreement combines Disney's exciting products with Sohu's online and wireless business lines and we are very pleased to work with Disney as they expand their presence in the Chinese Internet market. By introducing Disney's products to Sohu's users, we will enhance the entertainment value to our consumers in what is potentially the largest consumer market of the 21st century," said Charles Zhang, Chairman and CEO of Sohu.