XML 50 R9.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.0.6
Acquisitions, investments and dispositions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 25, 2011
Acquisitions, investments and dispositions

NOTE 2

Acquisitions, investments and dispositions

2011: In early January 2011, the company completed the acquisition of Reviewed.com, a group of 12 product-review web sites that provide comprehensive reviews for technology products such as digital cameras, camcorders and high-definition televisions. Its operations have been expanded to include other household items and consumer services.

In May 2011, CareerBuilder acquired JobsCentral, a leading job board in Singapore that also has a fast-growing presence in Malaysia.

In June 2011, the company acquired Nutrition Dimension which provides continuing education, certification and review programs and other educational content for nutrition, fitness and training professionals.

In August 2011, the company acquired US PRESSWIRE, the global leader in the creation and distribution of premium digital sports images to media companies worldwide. US PRESSWIRE operates within the USA TODAY Sports Media Group and provides daily sports photo coverage for all of the company’s publishing and broadcast properties.

In September 2011, CareerBuilder acquired JobScout24, a leading job board in Germany.

In November 2011, the company acquired the mixed martial arts web site, MMAjunkie.com, one of the leading online news destinations for the sport and a content provider for several print, online and TV outlets.

In November 2011, the company purchased a minority stake in ShopCo Holdings, LLC. ShopCo provides a common online shopping platform which allows advertisers to reach consumers in order to assist them in making informed purchasing decisions.

Total cash paid in 2011 for business acquisitions and investments was $23.0 million and $19.4 million, respectively.

2010: In March 2010, CareerBuilder purchased CareerSite.biz, in the U.K. which operates two online recruitment niche sites focusing on nursing and rail workers as well as a successful virtual career fair business.

In October 2010, the company purchased a minority stake in Ongo Inc. Ongo is a personal news service that gives consumers a new way to read, discover and share digital news and information from multiple titles.

In the second quarter of 2010, the company completed the sale of The Honolulu Advertiser as well as a small directory publishing operation in Michigan. In connection with these transactions, the company recorded a net after tax gain of $21.2 million in discontinued operations. Income from continuing operations for all periods presented exclude operating results from these former properties which have been reclassified to discontinued operations. Amounts applicable to these discontinued operations are as follows:

 

September 30, September 30,

In thousands of dollars

     2010      2009  

Revenues

     $ 32,710       $ 103,390   

Pretax (loss)/income

       (758      6,262   

Net (loss)/income

       (322      3,790   

Gains (after tax)

       21,195         —     

Total cash paid in 2010 for business acquisitions and investments was $15.2 million and $11.0 million, respectively.

2009: In February 2009, the company purchased a minority interest in Homefinder, a leading national online marketplace connecting homebuyers, sellers and real estate professionals.

In July 2009, Newsquest sold one of its commercial printing businesses, Southernprint Limited.

Total cash paid in 2009 for business acquisitions (principally post-acquisition consideration) and investments was $9.6 million and $9.7 million, respectively.