This formula works for eFront, which has developed a sizable Web audience through an aggressive acquisition strategy. The upstart content provider, launched just 16 months ago, today draws more eyeballs than many of the old online stalwarts, including CNet and Ask Jeeves. Coming out of nowhere, eFront has snagged a coveted spot in Media Metrix's ranking of the 20 most visited Web properties. For eFront the road to a top-20 ranking was paved by the acquisition of more than 70 specialty Web sites, ranging from a classical music news site to various computer game review services. For a company like eFront, acquisitions provide the fastest way to expand the size of its audience, build a strong corporate brand, and most importantly, maximize aadvertising revenues.
Every site gets a heavy run-through.
We have to make sure everything works. On the back end, we have to make sure we are covered for all integration issues. For example, we must make sure the site can be moved to our hosting farm. Operating in the Internet space means eFront moves at Internet speed. Most deals are executed within one week.