Infoseek Corp. is
forming an alliance with several German companies to target one of the
fastest-growing online markets in Europe.
Infoseek is teaming with German telephone operator Deutsche Telekom, media
company Axel Springer Verlag and publisher Verlagsgruppe Georg von
Holtzbrink to launch Infoseek Germany in the second quarter of 1999.
The site’s capabilities will mirror Infoseek’s main search engine and
include localized search and content services. The four companies will
jointly manage the venture and will each share in its profits.
Infoseek President and Chief Executive Officer Harry Motro said the local
content combined with the reach of Deutsche Telekom’s T-Online Internet
service should help the venture grow quickly.
“The partnership combines the premier online companies in Germany…with
Infoseek’s expertise in search and directory and Internet leadership. With
the joint venture now formed, we are confident that Infoseek Germany will
be the premier Internet search and directory site for the German-speaking
online population,” he said.
According to a recent study by new media research firm Jupiter
Communications of New York, Germany has the highest online growth rate in
Europe. Jupiter estimates the nation’s online population will grow to more
than 27 million by 2002 compared to the 5 million Internet users reported
in 1997.