London - Experian Group, an Ireland-based provider of analytical and information services to organizations and consumers, announced on Thursday that it has acquired Hitwise, a website ratings and marketing information firm, for about $240 million in cash.

Founded in 1998, New York-based Hitwise provides Internet audience measurement services that capture the anonymous online usage, search and conversion behavior of 25 million Internet users.

The company provides marketing data to 1,200 clients worldwide, offering consulting on which websites to advertise, which search engines drive traffic to clients' sites and which keywords are most effective.

Experian said that Hitwise will be integrated into its Experian Marketing Solutions unit. The transaction is expected to close next month.

Related Links:
http://www.experiangroup.com/corporate/news/releases/2007/2007-04-17b

http://www.hitwise.com