From Brightsolid...
Brightsolid today announced the completion of its acquisition of Friends Reunited Group from ITV plc for £25 million, following clearance by the Competition Commission.
The online innovation business, which is owned by DC Thomson, already owns and operates a number of online sites where people go to search their past, share their story and connect with people and places. It announced its intention to acquire Friends Reunited Group in August 2009 believing it an excellent opportunity to utilise this experience to bring new focus to the iconic brands in the group (Friends Reunited, Genes Reunited and Friends Reunited Dating).
The completion of the deal will now enable brightsolid to integrate the brands within its online publishing business. As part of this, the genealogy site Genes Reunited will remain separate from Brightsolid’s other genealogy services, including Findmypast.co.uk. Both brands are already key players in the dynamic family history sector and united are set to make Brightsolid one of Britain’s leading genealogy businesses.
Chris Van der Kuyl, CEO Brightsolid said: “It is fantastic news to finally get the green light from the Competition Commission for the completion of the deal. It has certainly been a frustrating period for all involved and meant that we were unable to take any control of the brands until this point. We’re now looking forward to working with the team at Friends Reunited Group to agreeing and implementing the new ideas to shape the direction of this exciting business.”
(With thanks to Simon Fowler and Debra Chatfield)
Chris
www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk
Professional genealogical problem solving and research
http://twitter.com/ChrisMPaton
Researching Scottish Family History (New book)
Rather this option than any other possibility. Particularly since this means it will stay in British hands. We need to preserve our genealogy companies.
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