Updated below: Gannett has made a local search acquisition: it has bought out Planet Discover, a provider of local, integrated online search and advertising technology. Financial details were not disclosed.
The newspaper giant will use the technology form the new company to power local search on its own 100 plus websites. In addition to many of Gannett’s sites, Planet Discover will continue working with its clients.
Updated: Peter has an interview with PD’s president: Terry Millard said that PD will become a separate unit of Gannett, like PointRoll, maintaining existing vendor ties to McClatchy and others. The company currently serves 40 newspapers. PD is also likely to continue to develop vertical search services, such as travel, which account for less than 15 percent of the company’s revenues.
Related: Earnings: Gannett’s Earnings Drop; Online Up 30 Percent