Softbank Increases Stake in BuyComp

Softbank Corp., Japan’s largest distributor of computer software, increased its stake to about 20% in BuyComp.com, the world’s largest Internet computer retail outlet, with a $40-million investment. Softbank purchased its latest 9.9% stake on Sept. 30, Aliso Viejo-based BuyComp.com said Friday. Softbank had acquired a 10.25% stake in August for $20 million. BuyComp, which sells computer software, hardware and related products on the Internet, said it will use Softbank’s investment to expand into new online markets. BuyComp.com is positioning itself for an initial public stock offering, said Scott Blum, founder, president and chief executive. Softbank owns 31% of Yahoo! Inc., the most-visited Internet directory; 35% of GeoCities, which runs advertising-supported World Wide Web sites, and 71% of Ziff-Davis Inc., the leading U.S. publisher of computer magazines.