April 22, 2009
- GMO Internet, Inc.
April 22, 2009
Press Release
GMO Internet Inc.
GMO Internet Acquires Stake in Leading Edge SEO Technology Company, Inovex
Tokyo – April 22, 2009 – GMO Internet has acquired a stake in Inovex, Inc, a company strong in web and mobile site advertising solutions with operations centered around SEO and search-related advertising. On May 18, Inovex will become GMO SEO TECHNOLOGY, Inc. marking the company’s entry into GMO Internet Group. At the same time CEO Akito Suzuki will take on the role of senior researcher in the GMO Internet Web Promotion Research Office.
Reasons for Inovex Investment
In a growing Internet advertising market, the SEM (Search Engine Marketing) sector is showing greater expansion than other market sectors and is now worth over 128 billion yen (up 137.8% from previous year).
In the GMO Internet Group business segment, Internet Media our SEM business (SEO, search-related advertising etc.) is driving growth. Revenue from SEM grew 34.6% in 2008.
In order to further accelerate growth in these businesses, GMO Internet has made an investment in Inovex because of its strengths in SEO and search-related advertising.
The company has acquired a 51% stake (510 shares) from Inovex CEO, Akito Suzuki. The acquisition is expected to have minimal impact on consolidated business results.
Company Outline: Inovex
(1) Company Name | Inovex, Inc. |
(2) CEO | Alto Suzuki |
(3) Address | Comforia, Daikanyama Terrace, 1-21-14 Ebisu Nishi, Shibuya ku, Tokyo, JAPAN |
(4) Established | December 4, 2006 |
(5) Main Business Operations | SEO for PC/mobile sites Search-related advertising solutions for PC/mobile Internet advertising consultation Internet/mobile production and systems development |
(6) Capital | 10 million yen |
Company Name Change
Since it was established in December 2006, Inovex has been working to help clients grow business value using the Internet and mobile media. The company’s operations span SEO and search-related advertising promotions, through to strategy that after being attracted by web site reconstruction and user interface design, the visitor takes a specific action. As a result of the GMO Internet investment in Inovex, Inc. the company will change its name to GMO SEO TECHNOLOGY, Inc. on May 18 to strengthen relationships within the group, improve technology, and increase confidence among business customers.
(New Logo) |
About Inovex CEO Akito Suzuki and the Role of Senior Researcher
In October 2008, the Web Promotion Research Office was established with the objectives of consolidating group expertise and technology in fields including SEM and LPO*3 and for the research and development of new technologies in web marketing, CEO Akito Suzuki brings his extensive expertise in SEO technology to the role of senior researcher in the Web Promotion Research Office. Going forward the department seeks to strengthen technology throughout the group and ensure it stays ahead of competitors.
Related Links (all links are to Japanese language sites unless otherwise indicated)
Inovex, Inc: http://inovex.jp/
SEO Services (for PC): http://seo-airlines.com/
SEO Services (formobile): http://seo-airlines.com/mobile/
Media Inquiries
GMO Internet Inc. Group PR Department
*1 SEO (Search Engine Optimization): Methods and technologies for ensuring that a web site receives an optimal ranking in the results pages generated by entering a search query into a search engine. Higher rankings are more visible andt can expect to attract more visitors.
*2 SEM (Search Engine Marketing): Includes SEO, search-related advertising, and paid listing services.
*3 LPO (Landing Page Optimization): Displays the most appropriate page when a visitor enters a site. The optimal page is determined by factors including the physical location of the visitor, the site from which they have arrived, the number of times they have previously visited, the time of access etc. This is one method used to increase the percentage of visitors taking a specified action.
About GMO Internet Group
GMO Internet Group, headquartered in Japan, is a leading force in the Internet industry offering one of the most comprehensive ranges of Internet services worldwide. The group holds top domestic market share in domain registration, web hosting, and payment processing and provides a host of other Internet services including global online security services, e-commerce solutions, and Internet advertising to both businesses and individuals. At the centre of the group is GMO Internet, Inc. a company listed on the prestigious first section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE: 9449).
GMO Internet Group, headquartered in Japan, is a leading force in the Internet industry offering one of the most comprehensive ranges of Internet services worldwide. The group holds top domestic market share in domain registration, web hosting, and payment processing and provides a host of other Internet services including global online security services, e-commerce solutions, and Internet advertising to both businesses and individuals. At the centre of the group is GMO Internet, Inc. a company listed on the prestigious first section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE: 9449).
GMO Internet Inc.
Company Name | GMO Internet Inc. http://www.gmo.jp/en (TSE First Section Code: 9449) |
Address | Cerulean Tower, 26-1 Sakuragaokacho, Shibuya ku, Tokyo, JAPAN |
CEO | Masatoshi Kumagai |
Business Description | -Web Infrastructure & E-commerce -Internet Media |
Capital | 1.27 billion yen |