The Association for Interactive Media, a DMA subsidiary, announced yesterday it had acquired Merch.Net, an association of e-commerce solution providers consisting of LinkShare Corporation, Impulse! Buy Network, Inktomi, Binary Compass Enterprises and NetCentives.
The move is AIM’s first since it was acquired by the DMA on Oct. 12. According to AIM, Merch.Net will operate as a committee within AIM.
Merch.Net was formed in mid-October to study, identify and publish “best practices” in e-commerce to spur the market’s growth.
“Traditional direct marketers must learn about available online merchandising tools,” said Merch.Net executive committee member Mark Goldstein, president and CEO of Impulse! Buy. “Merch.Net’s mission is to assist both off-line and online marketers and retailers in launching a successful online business.”
“It is clear the consolidations of Internet associations has begun,” said Andy Sernovitz, president of AIM. “There is strength in numbers and power in consolidation. Together, the DMA, AIM and Merch.Net will bring effective e-commerce to mainstream business,” he said.
