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kgb Acquires Centroid Media, Netherlands Internet Vertical Search SpecialistNEW YORK, NY, Jul 01, 2010 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- kgb (www.kgb.com) today announced the acquisition of 100 percent of the outstanding shares of Centroid Media (http://www.centroid.nl), the specialist Internet business best known for the people search engine and online reputation sites, Wieowie in the Netherlands, and Whoozy across other territories. Centroid's real-time data analysis, spidering and data extraction technology is a strong strategic and capability fit within the growing portfolio of online information and transactional services provided by kgb and its subsidiaries. "We are delighted to be bringing the Centroid Media team within the kgb family of businesses," said Trevor Saadi, kgb's Head of Online Business. "This isn't about acquisition, but the merging of talent in the exciting frontier territory of value living enabled by advanced Internet optimization. Centroid Media is a strong strategic fit and will accelerate our commercial roll-out plans, both in terms of capabilities and territories." Bart Kappenburg, Founder and Chief Executive of Centroid Media, added: "I'm very pleased with this great opportunity for our technology to be rolled out internationally. This opens up the scope of delivery for our talented team in a very exciting area of innovation where things are moving quickly. Centroid has already made strong progress to advance search capability in niche-markets, like people, cars and houses. Now, with kgb, everything will expand rapidly." All trademarks and registered trademarks appearing in this press release are the property of their respective owners. About Centroid Media Founded in 2007, Centroid Media, http://www.centroid.nl, is a privately held company based in Groningen, Holland. Centroid Media consists of a talented team of developers who build vertical search engines leveraging proprietary technology. Today, the existing network generates over 6 million page views every month and includes the websites: www.wieowie.nl, www.whoozy.com, www.kamer.nl, www.huizenvinder.nl , www.kamerplanet.nl, www.huizenmailer.nl, www.hotelvinder.nl, www.autorunner.nl, www.cuisinio.nl. About kgb kgb is a privately held, New York-based company and the world's largest independent provider of directory assistance and enhanced information services. During its fifteen year history, kgb has built some of the most successful and recognizable retail brands in the telecommunications and enhanced information services sector. kgb's European retail brands include The Number 118 118 in the United Kingdom and Le Numero 118 218 in France, both of which are leading players in their markets. kgb has pioneered the provision of a broad range of wholesale and retail information services beyond traditional directory assistance services, including call completion, movie listings, train schedules, price comparisons and "Ask Us Anything" service across multiple platforms, including mobile and landline phones, SMS and the Internet. In 2009 kgb launched its flagship text answer service, kgb 542542 (www.542542.com) following the success of kgb's similar "Ask Us Anything" premium text answer service in the United Kingdom. Early in 2010, kgb extended the brand to the Web with the launch of kgbAnswers.com (http://www.kgbanswers.com), a site where users can search the vast kgb database of questions and answers, or ask their own question directly to a kgb Agent. Also in 2010, kgb harnessed its vast database of hyperlocal directory assistance information to launch www.kgbdeals.com, a group buying service that brings its members a daily discount on a city's most popular products and services; kgbdeals.com initially launched in New York, Paris, and London. Last year kgb served more than a hundred million consumers globally and answered nearly a billion questions. Contact: Amy Wolfcale Email Contact 212-909-8289 917-280-5913 SOURCE: kgb http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/emailprcntct?id=6F3719DA645E8D08 |