Web traffic measurement firm NetRatings Inc. received an $11 million
investment from Trans Cosmos USA, a strategic
investment arm of parent company Trans Cosmos Inc.,
a provider of Internet business development solutions in Japan.
As part of the deal, James J. Geddes, managing director of Trans Cosmos USA, joined the NetRatings’
board of directors.
“This investment will kick-start our immediate international expansion and
let us aggressively step up our audience measurement and e-commerce offerings
in existing markets as well as move into new ones,” said Dave Toth, president
and CEO of NetRatings.
Last week NetRatings finalized its agreement with investor Nielsen Media Research, whose
partnership with NetRatings launched the Nielsen//NetRatings Internet
measurement service last March. VNU is acquiring Nielsen Media and the
company has said it may spin off Nielsen//Netratings in an IPO.
“We are very pleased to make this investment and look forward to working with
the NetRatings management team to assist them in developing a worldwide
presence in the market,” said Geddes.
Trans Cosmos USA has made strategic investments in RealNetworks, Liquid
Audio, DoubleClick, Spinner.com, PointCast, Wit Capital, Junglee/Amazon,
Mysimon.com, Sendmail, NetPerceptions, TicketMaster, Mail.com and Autobytel,
among others.