euro adhoc: Spark Networks plc
Mergers - Acquisitions - Takeovers
Spark
Networks(R) Acquires HurryDate(R)
Disclosure announcement transmitted by euro adhoc. The issuer is responsible for the content of this announcement.
02.02.2007
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Feb. 1 -- Spark Networks plc (Amex: LOV), one of the largest providers of online personals services in the United States, announced today that it has acquired the assets of HurryDate (www.hurrydate.com), a leading online personals and singles events company.
"Adding HurryDate to the Spark family is another step towards expanding our
offline presence and solidifies our position as the only leading online
personals provider to effectively 'marry' the online and offline dating worlds,"
stated Greg Liberman, Spark Networks' President and Chief Operating Officer.
"We are focused on smoothing the process of introduction by making it easier for
singles to meet and get to know one another whether online or offline."
Liberman continued, "This is an opportunity for us to not only strengthen
HurryDate's position as the premier player in the speed dating business and to
expand JDate(R)'s existing events business, but also to offer events and parties
to the other communities in our network."
"We're excited to come together with a forward-thinking organization that
understands the value that face-to-face introductions bring to the online
personals experience," stated Ken Deckinger, HurryDate's CEO. "Spark's online
singles communities, such as JDate.com, BlackSingles.com(R) and
Relationships.com(TM) make for exciting new event possibilities."
Started originally as a singles event company in New York City in 2001,
HurryDate parties are now held in over 50 major cities across the U.S. and
Canada. Singles sign up for parties held at popular bars and lounges where they
go on multiple mini-dates in one night. HurryDate Online, launched in March
2004, features innovative matching options and communication tools for local
singles online.
About Spark Networks plc:
Spark Networks' American Depository Shares trade on the American Stock
Exchange under the symbol "LOV," and its Global Depositary Shares trade on the
Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol "MHJG." In addition to JDate.com
(www.jdate.com), the Spark Networks portfolio of consumer websites includes,
among others, AmericanSingles(R).com (www.americansingles.com),
BBWPersonalsPlus(R).com (www.bbwpersonalsplus.com), BlackSingles.com
(www.blacksingles.com), CatholicMingle(TM).com (www.catholicmingle.com),
LDSMingle(R).com (www.ldsmingle.com), LDSSingles.com(TM) (www.ldssingles.com),
PrimeSingles(TM).net (www.primesingles.net), and Relationships.com
(www.relationships.com).end of announcement euro adhoc 02.02.2007 02:26:32
Further inquiry note:
Investors, Mark Thompson, mthompson@spark.net, or Media, Gail Laguna,
glaguna@spark.net, both of Spark Networks plc, +1-323-836-3000
Branche: Electronic Commerce
ISIN: US8465131097
WKN: A0DPY1
Index: Classic All Share, Prime All Share
Börsen: Frankfurter Wertpapierbörse / regulated dealing/prime
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