The company has sold 11 of its 13 non-core units. In 2007, it had embarked on a plan to sell its slower-growing units to focus on its core businesses and become a leaner and more profitable company. VeriSign’s progress with its divestitures has eased concerns whether it would be able to find buyers during the downturn. "We’re pretty far along in discussions with parties on both of the remaining two," VeriSign Founder and Interim CEO James Bidzos said in an interview with Reuters. "My own personal goal is to try to wrap those up by the end of the year," said Bidzos, who will hand over the reins of the business to Mark McLaughlin on Aug. 17. With the process of divesting coming to a close, McLaughlin’s focus would be on pursuing the right opportunities for VeriSign, Bidzos said. The company plans to modestly improve its operating margins in both the third and fourth quarters, Bidzos said. The divestitures are also expected to help margins. (Editing by Vinu Pilakkott)
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