Kalahari.net announces further success and strengthens tech product offering
Local e-tailer Kalahari.net has announced the acquisition of highly successful online IT product retail venture JellyBean Interactive Pty Ltd from leading online service provider M-Web - in a move which supports both parties` business objectives.
The acquisition, Kalahari`s latest success, is directly in line with the e-tailers` intention to expand its product range in specific categories. It follows rapid sales growth which was sustained even in the traditional post-Christmas slump.
Hein Pretorius, general manager of Kalahari.net commented: "It`s a great move for us - and at exactly the right time. JellyBean fits absolutely with our already strong on-site IT product offering - complementing and adding depth to the existing range. And, critically, JellyBean also brings its own strong sales record and loyal customer base. We want to build on that strong customer-centric ethic and JellyBean`s customers will benefit from the advanced IT and e-commerce systems that Kalahari has developed to support its own client base."
M-Web also expressed strong satisfaction with the deal. CEO, Antonie Roux commented: "M-Web has experienced significant growth in the commerce service provision sector of our business - particularly to the retail market. As a result of this success we are moving away from direct involvement in the retail market. This will enable us to avoid possible future conflict with its expanding customer base and allow us to focus on our core competency of providing Internet and e-commerce solutions to SA`s SMEs, large corporates and retailers."
JellyBean.co.za is currently the most comprehensive source for computer products on the Web. The site offers a broad range of software and hardware, including printers, scanners and accessories, mobile computing devices such as Palm products, games and DVDs.
The deal takes effect from Sunday, 1 April 2001. No financial details will be disclosed.
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Kalahari.net
Kalahari.net is harnessing the digital medium for the delivery of unequalled customer choice in the local market and already offers over million book titles, as well as CDs, digital music downloads, wine, computer software, videos and DVDs. Fully integrated with its various book suppliers around the world, Kalahari.net is also one of few, if not the only, South African merchant that offers fully integrated, real time e-commerce.
M-Web
M-Web is South Africa`s leading online service provider and the first to list on the JSE in August 1999 (previously trading as a linked unit with MIH Ltd). The company focuses on delivering the most compelling Internet experience in SA. M-Web has a significant dial up member base of over 260 000, representing a greater user base of over 850 000 unique visitors per month. The company has invested in leading-edge network and service infrastructure to ensure it provides subscribers with fast and reliable connectivity. Through the M-Web Anywhere strategy, the company delivers content and commerce, regardless of viewing device or transmission path.
M-Web delivers e-commerce solutions through its Business Solutions division and its virtual shopping mall, M-Web Shopping, is one of SA`s most popular online shopping destinations. icanonline, a joint M-Web and BoE/NBS initiative, offers debit-based banking facilities, shopping, investment and insurance services, providing a one-stop-shop for users who want to shop, trade, invest and insure. Headquartered in Cape Town, M-Web has operations in Johannesburg and Durban. M-Web also owns Computicket and manages the Internet Africa and Netactive residential subscriber bases.