Microsofts Money 2000 and E*Trade--
Microsoft(R) Money 2000 to Feature E*TRADE as Exclusive Provider of Online Investing Services
PR Newswire - November 11, 1999 08:40
MENLO PARK, Calif., Nov. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- E*TRADE(R) Group Inc. (Nasdaq: EGRP) today announced a marketing agreement with Redmond, Wash.-based Microsoft to be the exclusive online investing services sponsor of Microsoft Money 2000, one of the nation's most popular personal financial management software packages. Microsoft Money 2000, which editors of CNET recently recommended over Quicken 2000 (9/99), enables consumers to streamline their day-to-day finances, including budget planning, asset allocation and investment performance. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
"More than 15 million consumers nationwide are regular users of personal financial management software, of which Microsoft Money users represent about 30 percent," said Jerry Gramaglia, chief marketing officer for E*TRADE. "Since these individuals represent a core audience for E*TRADE, this agreement strongly supports our customer acquisition strategies."
Under the agreement, dynamic business headlines and financial links from E*TRADE will be featured on the Investing, Tax and Business Centers of Microsoft Money 2000. Microsoft Money also enables consumers to track stock performance and trade securities through E*TRADE within the same user experience.
In addition, E*TRADE will be prominently featured on Microsoft Money 2000 packaging and an E*TRADE account application will be included in the box. Microsoft Money 2000 purchasers who open a new E*TRADE account will receive a $75 sign-up bonus deposited into their new account, courtesy of E*TRADE.
"E*TRADE continues to enhance its site, improve its customer service and give individual investors compelling reasons to invest online," said Ed Bland, Group Product Manager for Microsoft Money. "We believe showcasing E*TRADE through Microsoft Money is an added benefit for individuals who manage their personal finances through electronic means."
About E*TRADE
E*TRADE, a global leader in online personal financial services, is the world's most-visited online investing site according to Media Metrix (9/99), offering value-added investing and research features, premium customer service and a redundant, proprietary Stateless Architecture infrastructure. E*TRADE has continued to extend its customers' financial services experience through the acquisition of Clearstation, a community-based financial analysis site, and its pending merger with Telebanc, the nation's leading branchless bank. E*TRADE has also expanded its value proposition through strategic investments in E*OFFERING, a full-service online investment bank, and Archipelago, a leading Electronic Communications Network (ECN).
E*TRADE plans to expand its global presence by launching branded web sites in the top 20 financial markets worldwide, and has taken a key step toward becoming the first online global trading network with its recently completed acquisition of TIR Holdings. E*TRADE presently serves customers through branded web sites in Japan, the UK, Sweden, France, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.
E*TRADE has been ranked the number one online brokerage by Gomez Advisors for four out of the last five quarters, Lafferty Information and Research Group, PC Magazine and Smart Computing magazine.
E*TRADE Securities Inc. (Member NASD/SIPC), and its parent company, E*TRADE Group, Inc. have offices in Northern California and in other major business centers in the US and worldwide.
Important Notice
E*TRADE is a registered trademark of the company. All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners. The statements contained in this news release that are forward-looking are based on current expectations that are subject to a number of uncertainties and risks, and actual results may differ materially. The uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, changes in market activity, market acceptance of the Destination E*TRADE web site, anticipated increases in the rate of new customer acquisition, the conversion of new visitors to the site to customers, seasonality, the development of new products and services, the enhancement of existing products and services, competitive pressures (including price competition), system failures, economic and political conditions, changes in consumer behavior and the introduction of competing products having technological and/or other advantages. Further information about these risks and uncertainties can be found in the information included in the annual report filed by the company with the SEC on Form 10-K (including information under the caption "Risk Factors") and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.
CONTACT: Heather Fondo of E*TRADE Group, Inc., 650-331-5248, or hfondo@etrade.com; or Sara Brown Riggs of Hill and Knowlton, 415-955-2166, or sbriggs@hillandknowlton.com, for E*TRADE Group, Inc.
SOURCE E*TRADE Group, Inc.
/CONTACT: Heather Fondo of E*TRADE Group, Inc., 650-331-5248, or
hfondo@etrade.com; or Sara Brown Riggs of Hill and Knowlton, 415-955-2166, or
sbriggs@hillandknowlton.com, for E*TRADE Group, Inc./
/Company News On-Call: prnewswire.com or fax,
800-758-5804, ext. 136683/
/Web site: etrade.com
(EGRP) |
