ValueClick Merges With Be Free

Digital marketing company ValueClick has announced plans to merge its business with interactive ad-technology firm Be Free.

The merger, which is subject to regulatory approval, is expected to be finalised by the second quarter of 2002 and will bring together both companies’ online and offline technology and media services to create a new global organisation under the ValueClick brand.

In the UK, ValueClick will incorporate Be Free’s services into its own range of digital marketing products and will offer advertisers an “enhanced” range of media and technology services from real-time and third party ad-serving to affiliate marketing products and e-mail technology.

ValueClick’s CEO, James Zarley, said: “Being able to extend our product offerings while achieving significant cost reductions will ensure the both the growth potential and financial stability that is needed in this market.”

Last month ValueClick announced plans to restructure its UK media division to reflect its changing portfolio of media products (see ValueClick Restructures UK Media Division).

ValueClick: 020 7751 0555 www.valueclick.com Be Free: 01753 754 900 www.befree.com

Recent New Media Stories from NewsLine: World Cup Pushes Sports Fans Online NTL Unveils UK’s Fastest Internet Service ABCE To Audit All Rivals Sites

Subscribers can access ten years of media news and analysis in the Archive