Monday, 1 July 2013: E-commerce group AussieCommerce (the owner of DEALS.com.au, TheHome, Ouffer.com and Pop.com.au) has today announced its purchase of Cudo, in a landmark deal for the burgeoning Australian e-commerce market.

AussieCommerce owns the Cudo business outright after purchasing it from the Microsoft and Nine Entertainment Co Joint Venture, Mi9.

“Combining Cudo with the DEALS.com.au and Ouffer platforms means that we can give our merchants access to a much larger audience, while bringing consumers more amazing offers and greater value for money,” said Adam Schwab, Managing Director of the Aussie Commerce group.

Cudo CEO, Mike Sneesby welcomed the sale, “This is the perfect fit for Cudo and for all consumers who love buying online.

In an industry that continues to consolidate, it makes sense for AussieCommerce to take the Cudo business forward. I’m also pleased to announce that Cudo and AussieCommerce will maintain a long-term association with Mi9 through an ongoing marketing partnership.”

Through this deal AussieCommerce aims to build on Cudo’s strong database and travel industry relationships, to establish a leadership position in the e-commerce sector in Australia.

It also enables AussieCommerce to combine operations, recognise synergies in both businesses through cross- promotion and increase market share.

DEALS.com.au was founded in 2010.

In 2012, it merged with Ouffer.com to form AussieCommerce and has since expanded into luxury homewares through TheHome.com.au and designer products via Pop.com.au.

A new travel website, LuxuryEscapes.com, specializing in premium overseas hotels, packages and cruises is track to launch in the coming weeks.

With the acquisition of Cudo, AussieCommerce is forecasting 2013 sales of more than $100 million across the group.

Launched in 2010 by ninemsn, Cudo has been a trailblazer and industry leader in the daily deals market.

With a focus on exceptional customer service, Cudo won the Canstar Blue – Most Satisfied Customers award for group buying two years running; 2011 and 2012. “We worked extremely hard to put some real rigour and process around group buying by putting customer service at the forefront of the Cudo experience.

We’re confident that AussieCommerce will continue to ensure Cudo’s customers receive excellent customer service and support,” said Sneesby