Seattle.internet.com has learned that Seattle-based Aptimus has signed a definitive agreement to acquire XMarkstheSpot.
SF-based XMarksthespot was launched in 1999 and is a provider of pay-for-performance customer acquisition infrastructure for direct marketers. Its permission marketing network mirrors the Aptimus Network in which marketers acquire new customers, consumers are presented with context-driven offers and
distribution partners share in the cost-per-action (CPA) results.
XMarkstheSpot’s proprietary opt-in serving technology is expected to give Aptimus a 6-12 month
lead on developing advanced technology to support its network.
Under the terms of the agreement, much of the staff of XMarkstheSpot will be retained and will remain in the San Francisco office. The transaction is subject to customary conditions, and is expected to close
within a week.
The announcement of the scheduled acquisition comes just one month after the company
changed its name from FreeShop.com to Aptimus and announced agreements with such companies as NBCi, About and iVillage to become members of its Aptimus Network.