Sears Acquires Israeli Social Search Engine
The newly formed Israeli subsidiary of broadline retailer Sears Holding Corporation has acquired the assets of Delver.com, a social search engine company based in Israel.
SHC Israel, Ltd. has established a new technology development center in Herzliva, Israel as part of the acquisition. The initial staff of the development center will consist of the associates that were previously employed by Delver. Liad Agmon, CEO of Delver, will join Sears Holdings as VP, new services.
Agmon
George Coll, SVP of new services for Sears, stated that the acquisition is an opportunity for Sears to “expand our global online strategy as we work to build more meaningful relationships with our customers and improve our customer experience.”
The Delver acquisition follows the recent launch of ServiceLive.com, an online marketplace from Sears Holdings where US homeowners and businesses can name their price for a variety of services, improvements and repairs.
Sears is expanding its global online efforts as its domestic brick-and-mortar retail business is undergoing difficulties. The retailer reported significant losses in net income, same-store sales, and margins during Q4 and fiscal year 2008, and announced plans to close 24 underperforming stores. So far in fiscal 2009, Sears has laid off 300 corporate employees.
Sears Holdings Corporation operates approximately 3,900 full-line and specialty retail stores in the United States and Canada. On its website, Delver.com describes itself as an “intelligent social search engine that enables you to find, experience and benefit from the wealth of information created and referenced by your social world.”