DURHAM, N.C. — Software, e-commerce tools and services provider for newspapers, Koz, recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and laid off 39 employees as it struggles to survive the swift decline in dot-com companies as of late.

The decision by Koz’s board of directors to file bankruptcy comes just a month after the company named a new chief executive officer and restructured its management team in an effort to “take full advantage of all external opportunities,” according to an April 4 press release.

Koz merged last year with Internet Tradeline, a company that helps newspapers build online shopping centers, and has been struggling to raise money until it can become profitable. Koz has laid off 114 employees since November. Some 40 employees remain at Koz and the company contends that customers will receive full service despite the latest layoffs.

Koz hired Steve Vetter, a former ABC executive, in April as its new chief executive. He will stay with Koz and is active in seeking a potential partner for the company, said Sam Whitt, Koz’s chief operating officer.

Koz was founded in 1995 by four Greensboro, N.C., software programmers that joined forces with Frank Daniels III. Daniels’ family owned The News & Observer in Raleigh before it was sold to the McClatchy Co. that same year.