Tokyo- Jupiter Telecommunications, Japan’s largest MSO with 2.67 million subscribers, is merging with Jupiter TV, which operates 17 cable and satellite channels, effective Sept. 1. First, Jupiter TV is being reorganized into a new entity, New Jupiter TV, housing 16 channels, by July 2. This new company will then merge with Jupiter Telecommunications, in which Sumitomo and Liberty own a 63% stake through a joint venture, LGI/Sumisho Super Media. “We will make maximum use of our management resources such as financial power, customer base and sales systems… and through production, organization and distribution of high-quality television programs, increase the number of our cable television subscribing households as well as intensify and differentiate our services,” J:COM stated. “At the same time, we will promote the expansion of the business of cable television operators (other than our group) and direct-to-home satellite service providers.”