VentureDirect Worldwide Inc. will expand its direct marketing services offerings, as a result of being acquired by PlattForm Holdings Inc., an Olathe, KS-based Internet marketing and media buying services firm.
The deal leaves VentureDirect president Richard Baumer and senior management in charge in New York, with VentureDirect and its 120 employees operating as an independent subsidiary of PlattForm.
“There will be no consolidation whatsoever. Everyone here is keeping their jobs,” said Baumer.
The acquisition expands PlattForm’s network of lead generation Web sites. Online lead generation and search engine marketing have been two of the biggest growth areas for VentureDirect, as more direct marketers have turned to online media to handle customer response and build lists, according to Baumer.
“Obviously, a lot of clients are growing lists with search engine marketing and online lead generation,” he added.
The acquisition has created cross-selling opportunities for both entities. PlattForm wanted a New York office and a list management and brokerage company, said Baumer. For VentureDirect the acquisition means it can now offer clients media buying services, DRTV production and telemarketing services available through PlattForm, he said.
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