Mr. HIStalk
06-19-2007, 07:31 AM
This doesn't sound like a great success story. Healia was the darling of those claiming some kind of Health 2.0 renaissance. They got bought by the publisher of Family Circle, Better Homes and Gardens, and other checkout-line magazines.
Considering Healia just "launched" in September, that's a mighty quick sellout. I'm guessing their chances at striking it rich were going down fast for them to dump so quickly. Cheaply, too, since it didn't even cost Meredith enough affect earnings.
Can they revolutionize healthcare by running ads for Lean Cuisine and feminine products? I'm thinking no.
Meredith Acquires Health Vertical Search Engine Healia
Furthers goal to reach more American women via digital platforms
DES MOINES, Iowa and BELLEVUE, Wash., June 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Meredith Corporation (NYSE: MDP), one of America's leading media and marketing companies, today announced the acquisition of Healia (http://www.healia.com), a consumer health search engine specializing in finding high quality and personalized health information online. Terms were not disclosed and the transaction will not have a material financial effect on Meredith.
"The demand for health information is booming, and is of particular interest to women," said Meredith Publishing Group President Jack Griffin. "We reach more than 75 million American women on a monthly basis through our publishing, broadcasting and online media brands and services. Providing access to trusted health information is a core component of our leading brands -- including Better Homes and Gardens, Parents, American Baby, Ladies' Home Journal, More and Fitness. The acquisition of Healia is an important step in our strategic initiatives to expand our reach in the women's health market and to provide content-focused services online."
Considering Healia just "launched" in September, that's a mighty quick sellout. I'm guessing their chances at striking it rich were going down fast for them to dump so quickly. Cheaply, too, since it didn't even cost Meredith enough affect earnings.
Can they revolutionize healthcare by running ads for Lean Cuisine and feminine products? I'm thinking no.
Meredith Acquires Health Vertical Search Engine Healia
Furthers goal to reach more American women via digital platforms
DES MOINES, Iowa and BELLEVUE, Wash., June 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Meredith Corporation (NYSE: MDP), one of America's leading media and marketing companies, today announced the acquisition of Healia (http://www.healia.com), a consumer health search engine specializing in finding high quality and personalized health information online. Terms were not disclosed and the transaction will not have a material financial effect on Meredith.
"The demand for health information is booming, and is of particular interest to women," said Meredith Publishing Group President Jack Griffin. "We reach more than 75 million American women on a monthly basis through our publishing, broadcasting and online media brands and services. Providing access to trusted health information is a core component of our leading brands -- including Better Homes and Gardens, Parents, American Baby, Ladies' Home Journal, More and Fitness. The acquisition of Healia is an important step in our strategic initiatives to expand our reach in the women's health market and to provide content-focused services online."