| Online
Dating Magazine > Online Dating News > Udate and Kiss.com Acquisition
USA Interactive to Acquire Udate.com
and Kiss.com(onlinedatingmagazine.com - December 19, 2002) USA Interactive
has entered into an agreement to acquire uDate.com,
Inc., a global online personals group based in Derby,
England, which provides dating and matchmaking services
through Udate.com and Kiss.com, for approximately
$150 million in USA common stock (subject to various
adjustments). For the nine months ended September
30, 2002, uDate reported revenue of $29.2 million,
representing growth of 135.6% over the same period
in 2001. USA expects the acquisition of uDate to
be accretive over the next several years.
The personals category, which is still in its infancy,
has enormous potential for growth, as demonstrated
by the success of USA's Match.com.
As a result of the transaction, the strengths of the Match.com and
uDate teams, and their products, will better serve
the ever-increasing demand of consumers who choose
to find their potential romantic matches via the Internet.
"Our acquisition of uDate, in combination with
our continued investment in Match.com, underscores
USA's commitment to the personals business," said
John Pleasants, President and CEO of Ticketmaster and
incoming President of USA's Information & Services
group. "uDate's track record of strong growth,
combined with its culture of innovation, and excellent
management team, make it a perfect fit for our operations."
"We are pleased to join the USA family," said
Mel Morris, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, uDate. "We
believe the opportunity to combine our efforts with
USA's collection of strong online brands is truly exciting.
The support and backing of USA will enhance our ability
to fully capitalize on this rapidly growing category."
The transaction is expected to close in the first
quarter of 2003, subject to standard closing conditions
and approvals. Pursuant to a voting agreement with
USA, Atlas Trust Company (Jersey) Limited, as Trustee
of the Internet Investments Inc. Employee Shares Trust
and Lee Zehrer, who together hold a majority of the
uDate common shares, have agreed to vote in favor of
the transaction at the uDate shareholder meeting.
uDate was advised in the transaction by Broadview
International.
Sign Up for Our Free Newsletter
|
All
Online Dating Magazine content, including the content on this page,
is ©
copyright by Online Dating Magazine and may
not be
republished or reused in any form. You do have
full permission to link to this article.
Do you agree or disagree with this
article? Have
more to add? Submit a Letter
to the Editor today.
|