Gannett Media Invests in 4Info Mobile Search
Gannett has made a minority investment in the 4INFO mobile search services company. Gannett also has entered into a marketing and distribution agreement with 4INFO, both companies said. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Collaboration between the companies will begin with USA TODAY and be introduced to other Gannett newspaper and broadcast operations, including Captivate Network. This will include promotion of 4INFO’s mobile real-time information such as sports scores and weather within relevant sections of USA TODAY.
4INFO’s primary service allows a person to use their cell phone to send a text message search to the company’s 5 digit number (44636). 4INFO service then replies with a personalized answer within seconds.
4INFO will continue to operate as a stand-alone company managed by 4INFO’s executive team.
“Mobile search is rapidly becoming a logical choice for consumers who want to have instant access to the information they need, whenever they need it,” said Jack Williams, president of Gannett Digital. “4INFO is the leader in mobile search and has developed a powerful technology platform that delivers instant, accurate results to users while keeping the experience intuitive and rewarding. Our investment and marketing arrangement is an excellent way to extend Gannett’s multi-platform approach to providing content to our customers.”
