GTE in Domain Deal With BigBook

GTE New Media Services Inc. announced an agreement today with BigBook, Inc. under which GTE will purchase the www.bigbook.com domain and rights to all BigBook trade names and trademarks.

SuperPages interactive service provider GTE New Media said the deal was made in an effort to remain competitive in the online directory business. Financial terms were not disclosed.

GTE said BigBook users will still be able to access the BigBook site, but will now be greeted by additional features and services. These will include advanced and reverse Yellow Pages search capabilities, City Guide, a Consumer Guide, and e-commerce functionality through GTE’s Shop Online service.

Under the agreement, GTE added that it will also provide current BigBook advertisers with a Fact File advertisement on its SuperPages service.

“As the first independent, online national Yellow Pages service, BigBook has strong name recognition and very loyal users,” said Patrick Marshall, vice president, New Media Services of GTE Directories Corporation, in a statement.

“GTE’s SuperPages service has earned a reputation as an interactive services powerhouse with proven sales, marketing and content development expertise. As a result, BigBook users and advertisers will have access to a wider range of
opportunities and services than they ever had before. At the same time, this acquisition will further solidify SuperPages’ presence as a premier online directory and information resource.”