Small-business portal, Virginbiz.net, is in merger talks with an unnamed industry player, the Richard Branson subsidiary confirmed today.
Some 30 staff at Virginbiz.net's office in London will find out next week if their jobs are safe when details of the merger are finalised.
A spokeswoman for the dotcom said: "I can confirm that Virginbiz.net has entered into merger talks with a key player in the industry.
She said the decision was a "natural progression to grow the business".
However, one insider told The Register that all the staff are likely to get the chop next week with Virginbiz.net effectively selling its client list.
Virginbiz.net was launched in October 1999 to provide a one-stop-shop online service for small businesses. Providing email and Web-based services, the portal also provides information, news and a marketplace for small companies looking to trade online.
Incidentally, earlier this month it was reported that Branson's ISP, Virgin.net, was up for sale - something the company strenuously denies. You don't think they meant Virginbiz.net, do you? ®