Global Group-Buying Firm Dealised Acquires Hong Kong-based Lokaly Network

Hong Kong team will drive expansion across Asia

Dealised Adds SVP in London; Announces betterNbetter as latest partner

HONG KONG, Dec. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Dealised, a global operator in turnkey group-buying solutions, has acquired Hong Kong-based Lokaly Network Limited (LNL), owner of group-buying services platform Lokaly and of consumer group-buying site ValuUp, a top-ten consumer deals site.  LNL is working with a number of leading Hong Kong companies to develop and manage daily deal offers. The acquisition was completed through an all equity deal. Dealised also announced Jason Keiles' appointment as SVP, global business development, as well as its latest partner, UK-based betterNbetter, a European design-focused site.

Dealised CEO Jonathan Marchbank described the acquisition as part of the Asia growth story. "With this deal, Dealised now has a strong position in a fast growing, sophisticated Asian market, a solid customer base and a strong team. The Hong Kong deals market is worth more than US$60 million and is growing. Our Hong Kong team will help us grow right across Asia."

Hong Kong entrepreneur Doug Aitken, co-founder of LNL, sees the synergy. "By leveraging Dealised's resources and expertise, we will continue to evolve the daily deal model. Dealised's track record demonstrates the business model value. Dealised is after all the company that helped its partners in Australia and Scandinavia dominate their respective markets, beating Groupon and Living Social."

Matt Aitken, co-founding entrepreneur and brother, noted the dynamic nature of the sector. "We are firmly at the forefront of the 'second wave' of social commerce. The growth prospects, direction and opportunity that come with being part of the Dealised team are tremendous. Companies are starting to realize the opportunity in managing offers to their customers. We're the guys who can make that happen."

The Hong Kong consumer group-buying space is highly competitive, with more than 30 companies offering daily deals. The market is estimated to generate revenues of between US$60-US$70 million per year and is growing strongly. It is estimated that the total global group-buying market will be worth nearly four billion US dollars by 2015.

Companies, including media firms and publishers, mobile operators, retailers and others, can use Dealised's technology and services platform to create and manage their own deal offers to customers and subscribers, creating new revenue streams. A Dealised partner can have a dedicated group-buying business running within weeks, without significant upfront costs.

UK-based Leadership Appointment -- Jason Keiles

Dealised also announced the appointment of Jason Keiles as Senior Vice President, Global Business Development, based in London, UK. Jason is responsible for identifying and recruiting partners to use Dealised's technology and services group-buying platform, from turnkey solutions to customisable options.

He joins Dealised from Getty Images, based in London, where he served as Vice President of Business Development. He has a long history of advising US, European and Asian-based companies on growth opportunities for their existing media, entertainment and other businesses, including Universal Studios, Virgin Radio, ITV Plc, and Fox Television Studios.

UK's betterNbetter Latest Partner

Dealised also announced its latest UK-based customer, betterNbetter, a website dedicated to building the finest design community in Europe. The site carries superb deals on design accessories and travel packages to contemporary design hotels across Europe, attracting a high-end European audience of about 4.5 million unique visitors monthly. The company was co-founded by travel and design explorers David Davinroy and Nicolas Dengler. Visit www.better-n-better.com

This adds to Dealised's UK-based partners, including The Daily Telegraph, as well as leading media owners Mecom in Scandinavia and partners in Asia, the Middle East and the US.

About Dealised Pty Ltd

Dealised offers a customisable group-buying technology services platform. Dealised partners -- media, telecommunication firms, retailers and others -- can use the platform to diversify and increase revenue, and strengthen customer relationships. Dealised is powering millions of dollars in deals each month in 15 countries and in over 100 cities.