CMGion Acquires Tribal Voice

CMGion, maker of a network-based
services platform, Friday acquired instant messaging provider Tribal Voice.

CMGion plans to integrate Tribal Voice’s instant messaging technology as
a component of its platform, which is aimed at improving the functionality
and performance of
Internet applications and content delivery.

The move enhances CMGion’s offerings while accelerating and deepening the
reach of Tribal Voice’s PowWow, said David Wetherell, chairman and CEO of
CMGI, and acting CEO of CMGion.

“As a company uniquely positioned to leverage synergies within our
diverse
network of companies, CMGI realized that integrating the PowWow technology
into CMGion would broaden CMGion’s content delivery offerings, while
expanding the reach of instant messaging via a global distribution channel,”
he said.

According to the company, this acquisition is the first internal
transaction to
be effected under CMGI’s recently announced strategy to achieve market
leadership, maximize operating efficiencies, and accelerate the path to
profitability for its six lines of business.

These lines of business, include: infrastructure and enabling
technologies; search and portals; e-business and fulfillment; interactive
marketing; and Internet professional services; as well as CMGI’s affiliated
venture capital business, CMGI @Ventures.

“In addition to the benefits CMGion and instant messaging will reap from
this acquisition, this transaction also
allows CMGI to further define our infrastructure and enabling technologies
business segment, and achieve
significant operating and cost efficiencies across both organizations,”
Wetherell said.
added Wetherell.

CMGion plans to retain the majority of Tribal Voice’s technical team. To
streamline business processes, the Denver office location will be closed.
Employees retained in the Colorado Springs office will report to CMGion
management headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts.

Additionally, Ross Bagully, CEO of Tribal Voice, has been appointed
senior
vice president, Instant Messaging, CMGI.