Online ad services company ValueClick said last week that it would buy e-mail marketing company Hi-Speed Media in a cash deal for at least $9.5 million. Depending on Hi-Speed's financial performance over the next eight quarters, the price could rise to $17.5 million.
The acquisition of privately held Hi-Speed would bolster ValueClick's e-mail services with an opt-in list company boasting a database of 40 million consumer profiles. Hi-Speed, Los Angeles, provides e-mail services such as prospecting and append for 300 companies including LendingTree.com and Equifax.
The deal depends on usual closing conditions, in addition to passage of the CAN-SPAM Act of 2003. The act, which awaits President Bush's signature, would override state laws regulating commercial e-mail. Of particular concern to third-party list providers is California's anti-spam law, which would make e-mail prospecting to or from California illegal.
ValueClick, Westlake Village, CA, closed its $58 million acquisition of affiliate marketing company Commission Junction earlier last week. ValueClick has built its stable of online marketing offerings over the past three years via a half-dozen acquisitions, including affiliate marketer Be Free, ad server Mediaplex and search company Search123.com.
