MySpace to shut 4 offices outside US

MySpace, the social network owned by Rupert Murdoch's News Corp, said it plans to cut about two-thirds of its international workforce and close at least four of its offices outside the United States.

The proposed move comes a week after it said it will cut 30 per cent of its staff. Roughly half of MySpace's total user base comes from outside the United States. Rival Facebook's worldwide user base is more than double that of MySpace, according to market researcher comScore.

The proposed restructuring plan would apply to all international divisions of MySpace, reducing its international staff to about 150 from 450.

Under the proposed plan, MySpace would place all existing offices in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, France, India, Italy, Mexico, Russia, Sweden and Spain under review for possible restructuring.

Upon completion, London, Berlin and Sydney would become primary regional hubs for MySpace's international operations. MySpace China, a locally owned, operated and managed company, and MySpace's joint venture in Japan will not be affected by the proposed plan, the company said.