[IP] CNET Networks acquires EDventure
CNET Networks Acquires EDventure Holdings
Esther Dyson Brings Forward-Thinking Analysis to Editorial Team;
Release 1.0 and PC Forum Brands Fuel Growth Strategy
SAN FRANCISCO, March 19, 2004 CNET Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq: CNET), a
premier global interactive content company, today announced its acquisition
of New York-based EDventure Holdings in a cash and stock
transaction. Since 1978, EDventure, founded by industry pundit Esther
Dyson, has built a reputation as an independent authority on technology
issues through its prestigious Release 1.0 publications and PC Forum
executive conferences.
Under the leadership of Esther Dyson and Daphne Kis, both of whom will join
CNET Networks, EDventure has built successful fee-based content brands,
including Release 1.0, an influential monthly technology report, and PC
(Platforms for Communication) Forum, the prestigious annual technology
conference for Information Technology (IT) executives, entrepreneurs and
investors, which takes place in Scottsdale, Arizona starting Sunday.
The acquisition advances CNET Networks' growth strategy. It adds Esther
Dyson's thought leadership and analytical prowess to the company's
award-winning editorial team, and helps fuel the growth of its business
technology brands, including CNET News.com, ZDNet and
TechRepublic. Currently, these brands reach 6 million business technology
influencers in an average month in the U.S. alone with award-winning
journalism, resources, and communities that help them get up to speed, stay
informed, and make smart decisions. EDventure's content and strategic
insight will enhance these offerings by providing context around the most
important global issues, helping forward-thinking business decision makers
anticipate tomorrow's technology trends and stay ahead of the curve.
"As an interactive content leader in a number of categories, we are
committed to the continued growth of our business technology Web sites, and
Esther and her team will build on our tradition of high quality journalism
by helping our large audience of decision makers capitalize on the future
of technology," said Shelby Bonnie, Chairman and CEO of CNET Networks.
Through EDventure's long-established and carefully maintained network of
global, corporate, Wall Street, and Washington, D.C. leaders, the
acquisition enables CNET Networks to deepen its ties with C-level and IT
executive audiences, and establish new entry points into financial,
political, and technology start-up audiences. In turn, CNET Networks plans
to leverage its audience reach and global infrastructure to expand and
enhance EDventure's successful fee-based Release 1.0 newsletter and PC
Forum event businesses.
"CNET Networks shares our high standard for intelligent journalism and
editorial integrity, and it espouses our vision for the future of
interactive content as a conversation," said Esther Dyson, who will become
editor-at-large of CNET Networks' Business Technology division. "This,
combined with the massive size of their targeted business technology
audience makes CNET Networks the ideal platform to communicate with the
broad community of IT influencers and decision makers worldwide."
About CNET Networks, Inc.
CNET Networks, Inc. (www.cnetnetworks.com) is a premier global interactive
content company that informs, entertains, and connects large, engaged
audiences with content in the personal technology, games and entertainment,
and business technology categories. Known for its editorial expertise, the
company combines its award winning content with the power of interactive
technology to provide its users an intuitive, dynamic and relevant
environment. The company's content portfolio features top brands including
CNET, ZDNet, TechRepublic, GameSpot, and mySimon, as well as Computer
Shopper magazine, and CNET Channel. With a strong presence in the US, Asia
and Europe, CNET Networks has operations in 12 countries.
# # #
Media Contact:
Martha Papalia
Martha.papalia@xxxxxxxx
617/225-3340
Investor Relations Contact:
Cammeron Finnegan
Cammeron.finnegan@xxxxxxxx
617/225-2844
Esther Dyson Always make new mistakes!
+1 (212) 924-8800
Join us at PC FORUM - March 21-23, Scottsdale
http://www.edventure.com/pcforum/
-------------------------------------
You are subscribed as roessler@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
To manage your subscription, go to
http://v2.listbox.com/member/?listname=ip
Archives at: http://www.interesting-people.org/archives/interesting-people/