Wireless data systems and services provider Aether Systems Inc. acquired
wireless e-commerce solutions firm NetSearch LLC for $25 million in cash
plus up to an additional $65 million over 13 months if NetSearch meets
certain revenue goals.
NetSearch develops and markets a wireless notification and response system
designed to increase sales productivity for companies engaged in Internet
commerce.
The NetSearch Merchant Notification System allows companies to receive and
respond to wireless online inquiries via handheld devices. The system
includes a lead tracking and accountability system.
Aether (AETH) said that NetSearch solutions have been widely adopted in the
automotive market and are being accepted in other industries including real
estate and insurance.
In the automotive sector, clients and partners include
Lexus, Toyota and Lincoln-Mercury, third-party lead provider STONEAGE.com and
dealer groups including Sonic Automotive, Brandow Automotive Group and Ed
Morse Automotive Group.
“The company brings an outstanding list of top-tier clients and we look
forward to integrating NetSearch solutions into the Aether framework,” said
Aether Chairman and Chief Executive Officer David Oros.
Aether operates the Aether Intelligent Messaging (AIM) platform,which
supports wireless data networks including CDPD, Mobitex and ARDIS, as well
as circuit-switched network protocols, including GSM and CDMA. As a result,
end users can choose the devices they prefer, including Palm, Windows CE and
the new Pocket PC platform and other personal organizers, WAP (wireless
application protocol) phones and pagers.
The company said that NetSearch now will be able to offer its Merchant
Notification System independent of platform or network.