Yellow Pages Group purchases 411.ca Brand and acquires equity interest in 411 Local Search Corp

The Fusion Team have completed over 70 digital and media transactions for its private, corporate and private equity clients. For more information contact pkelly@fusioncorp.co.uk or visit our website
 
 
ACQUISITION 
FDN Database Reference:  F231109-339
 
Acquirer:  Yellow Pages Group
ACQ Web:  http://www.ypg.com
Other Web Links: Twitter
Location:  Canada, Montreal, Quebec
Region:  North America
Description:  Yellow Pages Group publishes more than 340 Yellow Pages and residential print directories in Canada. YPG also owns and operates Canada’s most visited online directories – YellowPages.ca and Canada411.ca, along with CanadaPlus.ca, a network of seven local city sites. YellowPages.ca can be accessed on mobile devices atmobile.yp.ca. Yellow Pages Group is indirectly held by Yellow Pages Income Fund (TSX:YLO.UN).
Category:  Directory, Search
Contact 1:  Marc P. Tellier, President and Chief Executive Officer
Contact 2:  Christian M. Paupe, Executive Vice President – Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer
Contact 3:  Stephane Marceau, Chief Marketing Officer 
 
Vendor:  411 Local Search Corp.
Vendor Web:  http://www.411.ca
Other Web Links: Twitter, Facebook
Location:  Canada, Toronto, Ontario
Region:  North America
Description:  411.ca Canada’s Local Search Engine™, is the most visited pure online local search engine in Canada.  Each month over 2 million Canadians use 411.ca to connect with businesses and individuals in their community. 
Category: Search
Contact:  Stephen K. Curry, President and Chief Executive Officer
 
Aprox. Value:  Undisclosed
 
Details:  Yellow Pages Group (YPG) and 411 Local Search Corp., operator of 411.ca™, have announced that they have signed an agreement under which terms YPG will purchase the 411.ca brand and domain names and acquire an ownership interest in 411 Local Search Corp. The addition of the 411.ca site will add approximately one million unduplicated unique visitors to YPG’s network reach.

Under the agreement, 411 Local Search Corp. will have an exclusive license to use the 411.ca trademark until YPG purchases the balance of outstanding shares in the company within approximately three to five years. YPG intends to close this transaction in early March 2010, subject to certain conditions, including the approval by 411 Local Search Corp. shareholders. 

Link: Press Release
  
Other Yellow Pages Group deals reported on Fusion DigiNet

Advisor: Alexander Capital Group acted as exclusive financial advisor to YPG.

Yellow Pages Group acquires Clear Sky Media

The Fusion Team have completed over 70 digital and media transactions for its private, corporate and private equity clients. For more information contact pkelly@fusioncorp.co.uk or visit our website

 
ACQUISITION 
FDN Database Reference:  F231109-338
 
Acquirer:  Yellow Pages Group
ACQ Web:  http://www.ypg.com
Other Web Links: Twitter
Location:  Canada, Montreal, Quebec
Region:  North America
Description:  Yellow Pages Group publishes more than 340 Yellow Pages and residential print directories in Canada. YPG also owns and operates Canada’s most visited online directories – YellowPages.ca and Canada411.ca, along with CanadaPlus.ca, a network of seven local city sites. YellowPages.ca can be accessed on mobile devices atmobile.yp.ca. Yellow Pages Group is indirectly held by Yellow Pages Income Fund (TSX:YLO.UN).
Category:  Directory, Search
Contact 1:  Marc P. Tellier, President and Chief Executive Officer
Contact 2:  Christian M. Paupe, Executive Vice President – Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer
Contact 3:  Stephane Marceau, Chief Marketing Officer
 
Vendor:  Clear Sky Media
Vendor Web:  http://www.clearskymedia.ca
Location:  Canada, Toronto, Ontario
Region:  North America
Description:  Clear Sky Media provides  online channels for marketers to reach consumers with its sites: RedFlagDeals.com and PriceCanada.com.
Category: Marketing
Contact:  Derek Szeto, President and Founder
 
Aprox. Value:  Undisclosed
 
Details:  Yellow Pages Group has acquired Clear Sky Media

The acquisition includes three destinations that serve Canadians nationally:

  • RedFlagDeals.com, the largest aggregator of discounts and coupons on the web and mobile with hundreds of new deals posted every week.
  • PriceCanada.com, a price comparison engine, allowing users to search dozens of online retailers, compare product features and make informed purchases.
  • Scarlett Lounge, the leading source for deals in fashion and beauty for women.
  • Link: Press Release

    Other Yellow Pages Group deals reported on Fusion DigiNet

    News Corporation acquires a stake in Rotana Group

    The Fusion Team have completed over 70 digital and media transactions for its private, corporate and private equity clients. For more information contact pkelly@fusioncorp.co.uk or visit our website

     
    ACQUISITION 
    FDN Database Reference:  F231109-337
     
    Acquirer:  News Corporation
    ACQ Web:  http://www.newscorp.com
    Location:  USA, New York, NY
    Region:  North America
    Description:  News Corporation (NASDAQ: NWS, NWSA; ASX: NWS, NWSLV) had total assets as of December 31, 2009 of approximately US$56 billion and total annual revenues of approximately US$30 billion. News Corporation is a diversified global media company with operations in eight industry segments: filmed entertainment; television; cable network programming; direct broadcast satellite television; integrated marketing services; newspapers and information services; book publishing; and other. The activities of News Corporation are conducted principally in the United States, Continental Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, Asia and Latin America.
    Category:  Media Owner
    Contact:  James Murdoch, Chairman and Chief Executive, Europe and Asia 
     
    Vendor:  Rotana Group
    Vendor Web:  http://www.rotana.net
    Location:  Saudi Arabia, Riyadh
    Region:  Middle East and Africa
    Description:  Rotana Group operates one of the largest TV networks and ad sales operations in the region and owns the largest Arabic film library. Additionally, it has built the leading record label in the Middle East, managing many of the most popular artists in the region and controlling the biggest Arabic music catalogue. Rotana Group also operates an expanding radio network and a wide array of digital services.
    Category: Music, TV, Radio, Advertising
    Contact:  Owned by HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal
      
    Aprox. Value:  Undisclosed
     
    Details:  News Corporation today announced that it has reached an agreement to buy a 9.09 per cent stake in Rotana Group, the Middle East media group. Under the terms of the agreement, News Corporation will acquire newly-issued shares in Rotana for $70 million. The company has an option to increase its stake to 18.18 per cent in the 18 months following completion.
     
    Link: Press Release
      

    Additional Note:  HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal, the principal shareholder of the Rotana Group, is the beneficial owner of approximately 7 percent of News Corporation’s Class B Common Stock as reported on a Schedule 13G, as amended, filed on February 4, 2010

    Dow Jones may buy the 50% it doesn’t own of finance magazine SmartMoney

    The Fusion Team have completed over 70 digital and media transactions for its private, corporate and private equity clients. For more information contact pkelly@fusioncorp.co.uk or visit our website


    ACQUISITION NEWS FLASH

    According to the WSJ, Dow Jones is in talks to buy the 50% stake it doesn’t own of personal-finance magazine SmartMoney from partner Hearst Corporation. Currently Hearst is responsible for business operations such as circulation and marketing, and Dow Jones takes care of editorial operations.

    Related DigiNet articles

    CME buys 90% stake of the Dow Jones Indexes business for $607.5 million

    This article will be updated if the acquisition takes place.

    Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group acquires majority stake in Rocksteady Studios

    The Fusion Team have completed over 70 digital and media transactions for its private, corporate and private equity clients. For more information contact pkelly@fusioncorp.co.uk or visit our website
     
     
    ACQUISITION 
    FDN Database Reference:  F231109-336
     
    Acquirer:  Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group
    ACQ Web:  http://www.warnerbros.com
    Location:  USA, Burbank, CA
    Region:  North America
    Description 1:  Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group – Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group (WBHEG) brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment’s home video, digital distribution, interactive entertainment, technical operations and anti-piracy businesses. WBHEG oversees the global distribution of content through packaged goods (Blu-ray Disc and DVD) and digital media in the form of electronic sell-through and video-on-demand via cable, satellite, online and mobile channels, and is a significant developer and publisher for console and online video game titles worldwide. WBHEG distributes its product through third party retail partners and licensees, as well as directly to consumers through WBShop.com.
    Description 2: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment – Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment is a division of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group an is a worldwide publisher, developer, licensor and distributor of entertainment content for the interactive space across all current and future platforms, including console, handheld and PC-based gaming for both internal and third party game titles.
    Category:  Entertainment, Media
    Contact 1:  Kevin Tsujihara, president, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group
    Contact 2:  Martin Tremblay, president, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
    Contact 3:  Josh Berger, president and managing director, Warner Bros. UK
     
    Vendor:  Rocksteady Studios Ltd
    Vendor Web:  
    Other Web Links: Twitter
    Location:  UK, London
    Region:  Europe
    Description:  Founded in 2004 in London, England, Rocksteady Studios specialises in developing action-adventure video games, including Batman: Arkham Asylum, one of the most critically acclaimed games of 2009. The title has enjoyed robust sales, shipping over three million units worldwide, and has garnered numerous industry awards.
    Category: Games
    Contact 1:  Jamie Walker, studio director, co-owner
    Contact 2:  Sefton Hill, games director, co-owner
     
    Aprox. Value:  Undisclosed.

    Kevin Tsujihara, president of Warner’s home entertainment group in an interview in the FT said that they have acquired a 68.4% stake.
     
    Details:  Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group has acquired a majority stake in Rocksteady Studios, a privately held developer of interactive entertainment targeted at teens and adults. Their best known game is Batman: Arkham Asylum.
     
    Link: Press Release
      
    Warner Bros. acquisition history in the games space:

    In 2007, Warner Bros. acquired TT Games, developer of the hit LEGO-based game franchises, including LEGO Star Wars, LEGO Indiana Jones and LEGO Batman. In early 2009, Warner Bros. acquired Snowblind Studios to develop its The Lord of the Rings games franchise, with the first title expected to be released in 2011. Most recently, Warner Bros. purchased the primary assets of Midway Games. Midway published the Mortal Kombat franchise, which has sold over 26 million units worldwide, and owned a robust IP catalog and broadly applicable game engine technology. As part of the transaction, Warner Bros. acquired two development studios to focus on the Mortal Kombat franchise as well as other key properties.

    Visual and interactive platform for local search company EveryScrape raises £6M

    The Fusion Team have completed over 70 digital and media transactions for its private, corporate and private equity clients. For more information contact pkelly@fusioncorp.co.uk or visit our website

     
    FUND RAISING 
    Database Reference:  F231109-353
     
    Business:  EveryScape
    Web:  http://www.everyscape.com
    Location:  USA, Waltham, MA
    Region:  North America
    Business description:  EveryScape lets businesses and organizations build relationships with consumers through three-dimensional, photo-realistic experiences of cities & towns, streets & sidewalks, and building exteriors & interiors.
    Category: Search
    Contact 1:  Jim Schoonmaker – Chief Executive Officer, EveryScape 
    Contact 2:  Mok Oh, Ph.D. – Founder and Chief Technology Officer, EveryScape
    Contact 3:  Richard Chin, president of SK Telecom Americas 
     
    Investors:  Led by SK Telecom Americas, a division of South Korean mobile operator SK Telecom. Existing investors Draper Fisher Jurvetson and Dace Ventures also participated.

    EveryScape is a venture backed, privately held company. Capital investors include:

     
    Round:  C
    Amount raised:  $6,000,000
     
    Details:  EveryScape, Inc. has secured $6 million Series C financing in a strategic round led by SK Telecom Americas. The financing will be used for EveryScape’s Asian market strategy, as well as to build on the company’s U.S. growth.

    Link:  Press Release

    Guinness World Records has acquired Bragster.com

    The Fusion Team have completed over 70 digital and media transactions for its private, corporate and private equity clients. For more information contact pkelly@fusioncorp.co.uk or visit our website

     
    ACQUISITION 
    FDN Database Reference:  F231109-335
     
    Acquirer:  Guinness World Records
    ACQ Web:  http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com
    Other Web Links: Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, DailyMotion, metacafe 
    Location:  UK, London
    Region:  Europe
    Description:  The global authority on record-breaking achievements. According to Guinness World records, their website currently receives over 11 million visitors a year and 1,000 record applications each week.
    Category:  Publisher
    Contact:  Alistair Richards, Managing Director of Guinness World Records
     
    Vendor:  Bragster.com
    Vendor Web:  http://www.bragster.com
    Other Web Links: Facebook, YouTube, Twitter
    Location:  UK, London
    Region:  Europe
    Description:  Social networking site that allows users to upload videos of their dares and ‘bragging’ feats. Bragster.com was founded by Wim Vernaeve and Bertrand Bodson in 2006. The website currently has an Online community of 70,000 content generators, with their videos viewed up to 7 million times per month.
    Category: Consumer website
    Contact 1:  Bertrand Bodson, co-founder
    Contact 2:  Wim Vernaeve, co-founder
     
    Aprox. Value:  Undisclosed
     
    Details:  Guinness World Records has acquired Bragster.com. The acquisition comes at a time when Guinness World Records  is looking to improve their digital presence, particularly by expanding record-breaking into the online community. While plans for an integration program are finalized, Bragster.com will remain a completely separate entity, brand and target audience from Guinness World Records. The eventual incorporation of bragster.com will allow Guinness World Records to extend their reach into social networking.
     
    Link: Press Release

    Bloomberg acquires B2G Eagle Eye Publishers

    The Fusion Team have completed over 70 digital and media transactions for its private, corporate and private equity clients. For more information contact pkelly@fusioncorp.co.uk or visit our website
     
     
    ACQUISITION 
    FDN Database Reference:  F231109-334
     
    Acquirer:  Bloomberg L.P.
    ACQ Web:  http://www.bloomberg.com 
    Location:  USA, New York, NY
    Region:  North America
    Description:  Data, news, analytic and trading tools for businesses and financial professionals. BLOOMBERG PROFESSIONAL®, BLOOMBERG TELEVISION®, BLOOMBERG RADIO®, BLOOMBERG MARKETS®,BLOOMBERG BUSINESSWEEK and BLOOMBERG.COM®
    Category:  Trade data, Information
    Contact 1:  Peter T. Grauer, chairman
    Contact 2:  Dan Doctoroff, President
     
    Vendor:  Eagle Eye Publishers
    Vendor Web:  http://www.eagleeyeinc.com 
    Location:  USA, Fairfax, VA
    Region:  North America
    Description:  Founded in 1986, Eagle Eye provides market intelligence – databases, training, studies, reports, lists, software and business development consulting – to help vendors build strong, productive relationships with government buyers.
    Category: B2G Publishing
    Contact 1:  Paul Murphy, Founder
      
    Aprox. Value:  Undisclosed
     
    Details:  Bloomberg L.P. has acquired Eagle Eye Publishers moving them into the government market. The rumor was first reported on Mark Amtower’s B2G blog and later confirmed by Washington Technology and others.

    This is the third acquisition by Bloomberg in the past few months. The other two were Business Week (reported in Oct 09) and New Energy Finance (reported in Dec 09).

     
    Links: 

    Related Fusion DigiNet Articles

    GOADV acquires Italy’s top blog network BLOGOSFERE

    The Fusion Team have completed over 70 digital and media transactions for its private, corporate and private equity clients. For more information contact pkelly@fusioncorp.co.uk or visit our website
     
     
    ACQUISITION 
    FDN Database Reference:  F231109-333
     
    Acquirer:  GoAdv Group
    ACQ Web:  http://www.goadv.com
    Other Web Links: Excite, Better Deals, Trackset 
    Location:  Ireland, Dublin
    Region:  Europe
    Description:  The GoAdv Group is a pan-European digital media company with a staff of over 130 working across offices in Italy, Ireland and Asia, active in the UK, Germany, Netherlands, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden, US, Australia, Russia and Brazil.

    Created in 2004 the Group produces and distributes content across a wide network including Excite Europe, Better Deals and Nanopublishing. The media brands generate over 16.5 million unique monthly users.

    GOADV is listed on Alternext of Nyse-Euronext Paris. Code ISIN FR0010500975 – Code MNEMO: ALGOA

    Category:  Digital Media
    Contact 1:  Luca Ascani, Chairman
    Contact 2:  Salvatore Esposito, CEO

    Vendor:  Blogosfere
    Vendor Web:  http://www.blogosfere.it 
    Location:  Italy, Milan
    Region:  Europe
    Description:  Founded in Italy in 2005, Blogosfere is an extensive professional blog network counting over 210 blogs in its portfolio written by some of the country’s most notable experts in their fields. With an audience of over 3 million unique monthly users and growing (Source: Audiweb), Blogosfere’s vision is to provide breaking news, comment and opinion by professionals and experts delivered
    online through its network to passionate communities.
    Category: Blog Network
    Contact:  Silvio De Rossi, Head of Production
     
    Aprox. Value:  
     
    Details:  Digital media company GoAdv Group, has acquired Italian blog network Blogosfere.  Blogosferewas launched in 2005 and now counts more than 210 professional blogs across its network and has a user base of over 3 million.
     
    Link: 

    P.E. Baring Vostok Capital Partners is acquiring half of Smeshariki for $45 Million

    The Fusion Team have completed over 70 digital and media transactions for its private, corporate and private equity clients. For more information contact pkelly@fusioncorp.co.uk or visit our website
     
     
    ACQUISITION 
    FDN Database Reference:  F231109-332
     
    Acquirer:  Baring Vostok Capital Partners
    ACQ Web:  http://www.bvcp.ru/en/
    Location:  Russia, Moscow
    Region:  Europe
    Description:  Baring Vostok Capital Partners is one of the leading private equity firms operating in Russia and the CIS. The Baring Vostok Private Equity Funds have invested over $1.2 billion in 54 companies since 1994, and currently have committed capital of $2 billion for new investment.
    Category:  Private Equity
    Contact 1:  Michael Calvey, Co-Managing Partner
    Contact 2:  Alexei Kalinin, Co-Managing Partner 
     
    Vendor:  Riki Group 
    Location:  Russia
    Region:  Europe
    Description:  Riki Group is the company that owns rights to the popular Russian cartoon series for children, Smeshariki http://www.smeshariki.ru/. In the U.S., Smeshariki is known as GoGoRiki.
    Category: Television
      
    Aprox. Value:  $45,000,000. BVCP valued the Riki Group at $90 million and is to buy 45%-47% of the company and provide it with $10-15 million loan, the newspaper said.
     
    Details:  Baring Vostok Capital Partners is in final negotiations to acquire 45%-47% of Riki Group.
     
    Link: