drkoop.com Tuesday revealed plans to consolidate operations at its Santa
Monica, Calif., headquarters and close the doors of its Austin, Texas-based
office, eliminating 45 positions.
“This move allows us to materially reduce our corporate overhead and put
our people near where our clients and strategic partners are located,” said
Ed Cespedes, president of drkoop.com. “Much of the infrastructure developed
in Austin was concentrated around prior management’s objectives for internal
product development. However, drkoop.com will now be focusing on creating
alliances with highly qualified and trusted partners.”
The company anticipates that partners will provide the site with
technology, comprehensive health content, hosting health-management tools,
management solutions and new distribution channels.
The consolidation of offices, combined with previous operational
solidification efforts, is expected to reduce cash expenses to less than $1
million, a significant drop from a high of $8 million per month that was
reported last March.
“The consolidation is an important step in the progress of drkoop.com
toward profitability,” said Scott Hylen, a member of the board of directors.
