VANCOUVER, Sept. 18, 2013 /CNW/ - PlentyOfFish (POF.com), the world's largest online dating site, is acquiring FastLife, the world's largest speed dating and singles event company. By combining PlentyOfFish's major influence in the online dating space with FastLife's current operations in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the UK, this strategic acquisition is positioned to drastically change the future of the online dating industry.
"The direction of online dating is undeniably headed towards a merging of the online and offline worlds, so this is a major move towards changing the way single people meet and interact," said Markus Frind, founder and CEO of PlentyOfFish. "PlentyOfFish has always understood the importance of live events. Currently our users host over 300 events worldwide each month. Now more than ever, we understand the importance of offering singles innovative, new ways of connecting face to face."
FastLife holds more than 2,400 events a year, with more than 60,000 urban professional singles in attendance. These events have generated annual revenue of more than $2.5 million. Frind says PlentyOfFish and FastLife will be rolling out singles events across hundreds of untapped US cities over the next year. Current FastLife events include: Fit & Trim, Food and Wine Lovers, University Educated, Tall Men and Travel Lovers.
This is the first major acquisition for PlentyOfFish, but Frind says it won't be his last. "PlentyOfFish will continue to grow our reach within the online dating industry. We want to invest over $30 million in the next 12 months."
FastLife was created by a husband and wife team, Justin and Annabelle Parfitt. They also starred in the Canadian hit reality TV show, Love Incorporated, which aired on the Slice Network in 2010. Annabelle Parfitt will continue as CEO of FastLife, which is branded as Fast Impressions in Australia. Singles can sign up for speed dating and singles events in their city by visiting the FastLife website: www.fastlife.com US or www.fastlife.ca (Canada).
About PlentyOfFish:
PlentyOfFish (POF) is the world's largest online dating site with over 60 million registered users. Founded in 2003, PlentyOfFish has been using the most advanced matching system in the industry to help singles all over the world meet, date, and find meaningful relationships. PlentyOfFish offers Android, iPhone, and iPad apps, and was recently named one of the best "After Work Apps" by Mashable. For more information, visit: www.pof.com.
SOURCE: PlentyOfFish.com (POF.com)
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