U.S. Marriage Website Acquires 20% Stake In China’s Zhenai.com

U.S. Internet giant IAC/InterActiveCorp’s marriage website Match.com has reportedly acquired a 20% stake in Zhenai.com, a marriage website in China.

According to reports in foreign media, the detailed transaction value has not yet been revealed by IAC.

IAC started expanding its Internet marriage business via Match.com from 2010. In August 2011, Match.com gained the controlling stake in the French marriage website Meetic.

IAC said having been operated for six years, Zhenai.com provides Internet and phone-based friend-making services in China. This Chinese marriage website has gained over 30 million registered users and the ratio of its paid users is reportedly “high”. The paid users of Zhenai.com are able to access the over 1,000 consultants from the call center of the website and will gain suggestions and consulting services during the entire process of the dates.

Greg Blatt, chief executive officer of IAC, told media that the Chinese Internet friend-making market is growing rapidly and they believe the investment in Zhenai.com is a good opportunity to expand the overseas business.

IAC currently has over 60 brands, including Ask.com, Match.com, Citysearch, and Gifts.com.