PRESS RELEASE -- Feb 27 -- Match.com has acquired Netclub in France and edodo China. Match had record revenue of $311 million in 2006 (up 25%). Global market development contributed greatly, most notably in the U.K. and Scandinavia. Match operates 35 country sites in 15 languages. Netclub is the #3 French dating site. According to JupiterResearch, European online dating is expected to grow 30%.
There are 64 million online singles in China. iResearch.com forecasts the online dating category will nearly double in 2007. Social networking site, eDodo has 180,000+ paid members and gains ~3,000 new paid subscribers each day.
Mark Brooks: China offers a lucrative long term opportunity. Acquisition is the sensible way to enter this market. Netclub is #14 in Canada, down from #6 in October 2006. I don't see them in the French Alexa top 100, but I'm sure that will change soon. See OPW left bar.
