United Online Acquires MyPoints.com

United Online Inc., an Internet services provider, has purchased MyPoints Inc. from UAL Corp., the parent company of United Air Lines. Despite the name similarities, United Online and UAL are not related companies. United Online paid approximately $56 million for the membership-based loyalty and incentives program provider.

MyPoints rewards its members for a variety of online activities. The program boasts 4.5 million members, including 1.4 million who were active within the last quarter. During its most recent fiscal year, Mypoints generated $38.4 million in revenue, and reported operating income of $2.4 million. The company employs 100 workers, and United Online intends to maintain its San Francisco and Schaumburg, IL operations.

In addition to MyPoints, United Online provides online services through its NetZero, Juno, Classmates, PhotoSite, NamesDatabase and other brands.