aQuantive, Inc. (NDAQ:AQNT) shares jumped over 77% today after
Microsoft Corporation
(NDAQ:MSFT) agreed to purchase the company for about $6 billion, or
$66.50 per share. The buyout price represents an amazing 85% premium
over Thursday's $35.87 close!
The large offer reflects the
increasing competition between the large Internet companies in the
lucrative online advertising marketplace. Many investors pegged
aQuantive or ValueClick as potential takeover candidates after Google's
acquisition of DoubleClick and Yahoo's subsequent acquisition of Right
Media.
These transactions leave ValueClick as the only
remaining large independent advertising broker, which caused the shares
to jump more than 7% despite an investigation into the company that was
disclosed today. Some analysts see further consolidation, perhaps by
Yahoo to further boost its offerings. Regardless, ValueClick and this
entire industry are certainly worth watching!
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