Originally Posted by Linkshare

Press Release
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Rakuten, Leading Japanese E-Commerce Portal, to Acquire LinkShare, Leading U.S. Performance-Based E-Commerce Company

-- Transaction is Rakuten's first step into U.S. e-commerce market --
-- Continues Rakuten's international expansion --
-- LinkShare's patented tracking technology and Fortune 500 retail ties are key --

TOKYO and NEW YORK, September 6, 2005 - Rakuten, Inc. (JASDAQ: 4755) announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire LinkShare Corporation, a privately held New York-based performance-based marketing firm, for a cash purchase price of approximately $425 million. The acquisition is expected to be completed within four to six weeks.

Founded in 1997, Rakuten is Japan's most diversified Internet portal, with the number one sites in Japan for on-line shopping, travel, golf reservations, community and greeting cards. Rakuten's on-line and Internet-related businesses also include shopping via Internet-enabled cell phones, auctions, financial services, broadband entertainment and business-to-business services. Rakuten, which has one of the most recognized Internet brands in Japan, is also the owner of Japanese professional baseball's newest franchise, the Rakuten Eagles.

"LinkShare's performance-based marketing expertise across affiliate, search, and e-mail capabilities provides Rakuten with an excellent first step to launch our U.S. operations and continue our international expansion." said Hiroshi Mikitani, Chairman and CEO of Rakuten. "We can leverage LinkShare's client relationships and technology advantages worldwide, so that LinkShare will be able to achieve significant growth in the future."

Established in 1996, LinkShare Corporation is a leader in performance-based marketing solutions, having created the largest network of affiliates of any program provider, with over 10 million e-commerce relationships. LinkShare has over 500 clients including J.C. Penney, 1-800-Flowers.com, American Express, Avon Products and Dell. LinkShare has been named the New York area's fastest growing technology company for two years in a row on the Deloitte & Touche Fast 50 list.

"By partnering with a successful portal with global aspirations, LinkShare has positioned itself to take advantage of the increasingly universal nature of the Internet and e-commerce," said Stephen D. Messer, Chairman and CEO of LinkShare Corporation. "Our merchants and our affiliates will benefit because taking the network worldwide can only increase volume, which means growth for everyone."

LinkShare's senior management team including Mr. Messer, and LinkShare's President and COO, Heidi Messer, will remain with the company. They will lead the continued growth of LinkShare's core businesses and will closely support Rakuten's U.S expansion and exploration of potential acquisitions.

Morgan Stanley advised Rakuten, Inc., and Goldman Sachs advised LinkShare in the transaction.

Originally Posted by BadWolf

A1 Web Solutions is run by facialfreak at Netpond and has fanatical loyalty from some of Netpond’s members.

Originally Posted by facialfreak

WOW ...

Very interesting ... One giant step closer to a global economy!

In 20 years, will we all be using USD or YEN is the only question?

Also, will LinlShare now pay us out in YEN for all us FOREX people?

Originally Posted by slaxxx

hehe...I was surprised this didn't get more replies...pretty big deal..

Originally Posted by BadWolf

A1 Web Solutions is run by facialfreak at Netpond and has fanatical loyalty from some of Netpond’s members.