NetZero Announces Deal to Purchase Simpli.com

NetZero Inc. in Westlake Village said it will buy privately held Simpli.com Inc., a marketing and search technology company.

Under the terms of the agreement, NetZero will issue about 2.5 million shares of its common stock and pay $2.6 million in cash. The transaction is expected to be completed by September.

Providence, R.I.-based Simpli.com developed SimpliFind, a search and targeted-marketing product based on user interests and preferences to enable personalized content, advertising and e-commerce offerings.

NetZero offers consumers free access to the Internet and free e-mail. The company makes money by selling advertising on its site.