NetRatings Moves To Acquire NetValue

NetRatings has announced plans to acquire rival internet research group, NetValue, for around £11.5m, as part of a move to create a global standard in internet audience measurement.

NetRatings, which is 64% owned by VNU, has already gained a controlling 52% stake in NetValue, which has businesses in 9 countries across Europe and Asia, and plans to initiate a tender offer to acquire the remaining outstanding shares in the company.

Following the completion of the deal, NetRatings will integrate selected services, methodologies and technologies from NetValue into its Nielsen/NetRatings business.

Commenting on the deal, William Pulver, president and CEO of NetRatings, said: “We are excited about bringing NetValue’s unique strengths into the NetRatings family, and will incorporate some of their industry leading technologies across our services globally.”

Lennart Brag, chairman and CEO, NetValue, added: “The integration of our respective services will provide clients with a better understanding of online user behaviour, providing a common independent currency upon which partnerships can be arranged, advertisements placed, users targeted and success measured.”

Last October NetRatings attempted to acquire its main rival Jupiter Media Metrix for £50m (see NetRatings Acquires Jupiter MMXI). However, the proposed merger collapsed earlier this year following opposition from US anti-competition authorities (see £50m Internet Merger Collapses).

NetRatings: www.nielsen-netratings.com NetValue: 020 7470 5720 www.netvalue.com

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