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Citysearch Joins MerchantCircle Network
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West Hollywood, California - (Website Hosting Directory) - December 21, 2007 - IAC online local guide and operating business, Citysearch, has entered into a partnership with online network and marketing company for local businesses, MerchantCircle.
The deal represents Citysearch's continued strategy to expand in local search and allows MerchantCircle to dramatically further its mission of bringing local business owners closer to customers. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Through the deal, Citysearch will accelerate its growth by leveraging MerchantCircle's scalable and fully automated platform for acquiring and engaging local merchants and distributing local content. MerchantCircle has successfully engaged over 300,000 proactive merchants to build out their profile page, upload photos, create coupons, and interact with millions of local customers online. Citysearch has the opportunity to tap into this large community of registered local merchants and paying customers.
In turn, MerchantCircle will have access to Citysearch's millions of local businesses nationwide, and integrate the company's Pay-For-Performance local advertising engine. MerchantCircle will also tap into Citysearch and Insider Pages' vast databases of editorial content, user reviews, and merchant videos.
Jay Herratti, President of Citysearch commented, ''MerchantCircle has proven its ability to engage local businesses at an extraordinary velocity. Many of MerchantCircle's members are new to the web, and creating content on their own without the help of web professionals. When combined with the assets and capabilities of Citysearch, there is a tremendous opportunity for both companies to transform local search and online advertising for local businesses.''
Ben T. Smith IV, Chairman and Co-Founder of MerchantCircle remarked, ''Partnering with IAC and Citysearch now positions us to greatly accelerate MerchantCircle membership and revenues, allowing us to reach a greater audience of local consumers. As the pioneer in local search, Citysearch will give us access to its rich local content and profitable monetization models that are unparalleled in the industry -- helping us in our quest of bringing 5 million merchants online.''
Additional key details of the strategic partnership include: -- Co-Branded Sales Packages: As part of its automated marketing programs, MerchantCircle will offer three Citysearch-specific sales packages to merchants. -- Joint Membership for Merchants: Existing Citysearch members will have the opportunity to participate in the MerchantCircle community. -- Citysearch Advertising Sales Force: MerchantCircle will tap into Citysearch's local sales staff and national advertising team. -- IAC Seat on MerchantCircle Board of Directors: As part of IAC investment, Peter Horan, CEO of IAC Media and Advertising, will join MerchantCircle's Board of Directors.
Greg Sterling, Principal, Sterling Market Intelligence noted, ''More local businesses realize Internet advertising is a critical part of their marketing mix and want simple and accessible services to help promote themselves online. But the proliferation of consumer ratings and reviews means that small businesses also need effective methods to help track and manage their online reputations.''
Founded in 2005, MerchantCircle is the largest online network of small business owners in the nation, combining social networking aspects with a customizable web listing that allows merchants to attract new customers. More than 14 million MerchantCircle business listings across the country are easily accessed on major search engines. Currently, over 300,000 merchants on the MerchantCircle network upload pictures, blog, build coupons, and newsletters, while also connecting with other business owners. MerchantCircle also gives business owners the power to manage their online reputation by aggregating reviews and increasing visibility across the web. MerchantCircle is located on Main St. in downtown Los Altos, Calif., and is funded by Rustic Canyon Partners, Scale Venture Partners, Disney's Steamboat Ventures, and Citysearch, a property of IAC.
Citysearch is a local search and directory company that provides the most up-to-date information on businesses, from restaurants and retail, to travel and professional services. Citysearch empowers consumers to make informed decisions about where to spend their time and money by delivering trusted content, local expertise and helpful tools, including 14.5 million local businesses listings, over 600,000 user reviews and ratings nationwide. Citysearch is an operating business of IAC (Nasdaq: IACI).
For more information about Citysearch, please visit: www.citysearch.com.
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