Advanced Telecom Services Purchases Infinity Broadcasting's Spark Network Services
New York, NY February 1, 2005 -- Advanced Telecom Services has purchased Spark Network Services, a provider of interactive, non-traditional revenue sources to media affiliates, in an all-cash transaction. Spark is a division of Infinity Broadcasting. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Advanced Telecom Services has been active in the newspaper voice personals business for over a decade. By purchasing Spark Network Services, it obtains over 400 voice personals accounts in the radio industry. It will operate Spark's call center in suburban Chicago and its automated telemarketing IVR system. Moreover, by acquiring Spark Network Services, Advanced Telecom Services has also obtained one of only three direct service bureau accounts in the nation for MCI 900 number services.
"We have known the talented people at Spark for several years and we are excited about the acquisition," said Bret Dunlap, president of Advanced Telecom Services. "Both companies will benefit from it."
"This is a very strategic acquisition for us in that it expands our voice personals base of accounts, gives us a direct MCI 900 deal, and allows us to sell additional products to its broadcasting customers," said Bob Bentz, co-owner and director of marketing and sales for Advanced Telecom Services.
Spark Network Services (www.sparkns.com) is based in Evanston, Illinois. Its most popular product is the MatchLink® system, the leading interactive computer dating service used by radio and television stations in the United States and Canada. Its dating services have served over two million members since its inception in 1994.
Infinity Broadcasting is one of the largest major-market radio operators in the United States, with stations covering the news, modern rock, oldies, country, FM talk, classic rock and urban formats, among others. A division of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B), Infinity operates 183 stations, the majority of which are in the nation's top 50 markets.
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