SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwire - September 9, 2010) - Metacafe, the first online destination solely dedicated to showcasing the best entertainment-related videos, today acquired Action Sports, Inc. the parent company of the popular Go211.com, which features live webcasts of and video highlights from top action sports events around the world. This deal advances Metacafe's strategic vision for keeping today's 18 to 34-year-old consumers plugged into their entertainment passions every day and delivers value for the brand advertisers who market to them.
"Online video is the growth area driving digital media today," said Erick Hachenburg, CEO of Metacafe. "Metacafe is at the forefront of making online video an entertainment genre in its own right, and our acquisition of Go211 bolsters our leadership position and demonstrates our commitment to delivering high-quality premium content."
"Teaming with Go211 to bring events such as last weekend's Blackjack Nationals to BMX fans around the world is key to connecting with our consumers, who increasingly rely on online video for access to the action sports they love," said Bernard Anderson, CEO of the American Bicycle Association. "We're enthusiastic about the Metacafe-Go211 alliance, which will enable us to reach a larger audience and put the power of online video to use in new and innovative ways."
Key tenants of the deal include:
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Go211's extensive catalog of action sports videos in the categories of Snow, Skate, Surf and Bike will be a centerpiece for the coming launch of Metacafe Sports, reflecting the distinctive programming approach and unique editorial voice Metacafe recently introduced with the new hire of Steven Horn, vice president of programming at Metacafe;
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Metacafe will leverage Go211's expertise in live event coverage and utilize its digital video production team to introduce more original and exclusive content into its other premium entertainment hubs (Movies, Video Games, TV and Music);
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Key members of the Go211 team will join Metacafe, including Sean Aruda, the former CEO of Action Sports, Inc. who will assume the role of Chief Revenue Officer at Metacafe;
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Metacafe, inclusive of Go211, will now reach nearly 17.5M unique monthly U.S. viewers (comScore Media Metrix, July 2010); and
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Metacafe will continue to operate Go211.com as a distinct destination that effectively serves viewers, content partners and advertisers alike.
"Video is the most powerful way for brand advertisers to connect with consumers," said Sean Aruda, newly appointed chief revenue officer of Metacafe. "With Metacafe we're extending the value Go211 has long delivered to our advertising partners. And together we offer an unmatched combination of premium content, meaningful reach and innovative advertising integrations."
About Metacafe® - Entertainment That Connects
Metacafe® is the first entertainment destination solely dedicated to showcasing the best videos from the world of Movies, Video Games, Sports, Music and TV. We are the trusted source that keeps millions of viewers plugged into their entertainment passions every day, and we connect marquee brand advertisers with their target consumers via close association with the most popular entertainment content on the web. Metacafe attracts more than 17 million unique monthly U.S. viewers(1). The privately held company is headquartered in San Francisco, with offices in New York City, Los Angeles, Boston, London and Tel Aviv. For more information -- and millions of entertaining videos -- visit www.metacafe.com.
(1) comScore Media Metrix, July 2010