Wednesday, November 28, 2007Spark Networks Names New CFOBeverly Hills-based Spark Networks, operator of a number of online personals web sites, said yesterday that it has named a new CFO. Spark said that Brett Zane will join the firm in December to replace current CFO Mark Thompson, who is leaving the company in January. Spark Networks said that Thompson is leaving for an undisclosed Bay Area venture capital firm. Zane joins Spark networks from Lindora Incorporated, and has also served at Action Media Holdings LLC, Liberman Broadcasting, and Logex Co (More info...)
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Agensys Acquired By AstellasAstellas Pharma, a Japanese biotechnology firm, said last night that it has agreed to acquire Santa Monica-based Agensys, in a deal worth $387M, plus up to $150M in earnout. Astellas said that its US subsidiary, Astellas US Holding, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Agensys, which is focused on therapeutic antibody research and development for the treatment of cancer. Agensys was venture backed by
Duquesne Capital Management, JAFCO Co., Innovis Investments, Nextech Venture, Bear Stea (More info...)
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PriceGrabber, eCost Report Big Cyber Monday SalesLos Angeles-based PriceGrabber.com, and El Segundo-based eCost.com are among two of the local e-commerce retailers reporting strong results from Cyber Monday sales. Cyber Monday is the first Monday back after the Thanksgiving weekend, and a traditionally big online shopping day. PriceGrabber said that it saw a 56 percent increase in traffic year over year, and that the day was the biggest traffic day yet this holiday season. eCost.com, a online discount retailer owned by PFSweb, also reported st (More info...)
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Novatel, Qualcomm Team On Wireless BroadbandSan Diego-based Novatel Wireless reported yesterday that it is working with Qualcomm to support Qualcomm's Gobi technology. Qualcomm's Gobi chipsets allow for connections to both EV-DO and HSPDA wireless networks. Novatel said it expects to provide Gobi-enabled products in the second half of 2008. Novatel Wireless said it would include an embedded solution for notebook OEMs using the Gobi solution, including Qualcomm's chipsets, software and APIs, and reference designs for PC notebook manufactur (More info...)
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Ticketmaster Launches Affiliate ProgramWest Hollywood-based Ticketmaster, the IAC-owned ticketing firm, said Tuesday that it has launched a new, online affiliate program in the United States. Ticketmaster said that the new program allows consumers and organizations to earn commissions for online ticket sales, which comes from links on their websites. Amount of the commissions were not disclosed, however Ticketmaster said it has added a new widget, search buttons, banners, and link engines in support of the new network. Affiliate prog (More info...)
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Interpolls Signs Ad CouncilPasadena-based rich media advertising firm Interpolls said today that it will provide its rich media and integrated marketing services to the nonprofit Ad Council. The Ad Council is a nonprofit which conducts public service advertising campaigns. According to Interpolls, it will handle an upcoming interactive distribution campaign targeting members of the creative community. Interpolls said it has previously helped the Ad Council with campaigns against underage drinking and terrorism preparednes (More info...)
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Apricorn Ships Encrypted Hard DrivePoway-based Apricorn said today that it has released a new, encrypted hard drive product. The firm, which develops personal storage products, said the new storage system provides AES-128 bit hardware encryption and password protection, and is designed for mobile users. The new hardware prohibits access to encrypted storage partitions without a password, and is available in 80GB, 120GB, 260GB, and 260GB capacities.
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