EBay is arming its classified minions in a new strategy to take on the industry.
The online auction site is going to be investing more in its online classified websites as analysts predict substantial growth in the market (projections of a $5 billion increase by 2010), reports Forbes.
In the U.S., when you hear online classifieds, you think Craigslist. And while EBay does own a minority share in the SF-based site, it’s going to focus efforts on its internationally successful ventures: Kijiji, Gumtree, Marktplaats, LoQUo and mobile.de. They also say they plan on a few new acquisitions.
EBay and Craigslist have been at each others throats this year. Ebay initially filed suit against Craigslist accusing them of illegally shuffling shares and implementing a poison pill to prevent a takeover. Craigslist fired back, alleging that EBay used its minority stake to engage in unfair and unlawful anti-competitive behavior. Both suits are still pending.
While this recent push to amp up their own online classifieds seems to be a jab at their CL buddies Newmark and Buckmaster, an Ebay spokesman claims otherwise.
"We're not focused on competing with Craigslist," says Jose Mallabo. "We're focused on growing our business."
EBay's 'Classified' Strategy [Forbes]
*Photo: Flickr/eschipul *
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