The new company will be led by executives from both EarthLink and MindSpring. Charles Brewer, MindSpring founder, chairman and chief executive officer will chair the new company. Mike McQuary, MindSpring president and chief operating officer, will be president and Sky Dayton, EarthLink founder and chairman, will be a director. Betty and McQuary will also serve on the board. Betty said the deal would leverage both companies' strengths in pursuit of continued growth in the U.S. ISP marketplace.
Today starts a new era in the Internet access arena.
Some think the merger won't put a dent into AOL's impressive share of the industry unless the companies bolster their marketing schemes. Kate von Goeler, an analyst from Cahners In-Stat, said AOL probably won't feel much of a threat from the combination. AOL has 18 million users. Brewer said clients could expect the same award-winner service from the new business alliance. We created our companies with a deliberate focus on providing our members with superior service.