Date filed: December 17, 1999
Proposed symbol: ALTA
Exchange: Nasdaq
Anticipated proceeds: $300.0 MM
Underwriters: Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, Hambrecht & Quist, Robertson Stephens, Prudential Volpe Technology and Wit Capital
Principal shareholders: CMGI (81.5%) and CPQ (18.5%)
History per the S-1:
Historically, we were operated within Digital Equipment Corporation, which was acquired by Compaq Computer Corporation in June 1998. In January 1999, we were incorporated and began doing business as a separate business unit within Compaq. To broaden the capabilities of AltaVista, in February 1999, Compaq acquired Shopping.com, an e-commerce company, and, in April 1999, acquired Zip2 Corp., a local portal service. In August 1999, CMGI acquired approximately 81.5% of our equity ownership and Compaq retained approximately 18.5% of our equity ownership. In connection with this acquisition, the AltaVista Search web site and associated intellectual property, Shopping.com, Zip2 and other assets were contributed to us. In October 1999, we acquired iAtlas from CMGI to enhance our search service with iAtlas' filtering technology and distributed a stock dividend of all Zip2 stock owned by us to our stockholders. In November 1999, we agreed to acquire Raging Bull, a finance-oriented community and content Internet company and an affiliate of CMGI. We expect this acquisition to be completed during the first quarter of 2000. |
