Centrro acquisition accelerates move into automotive lead generation vertical
OAKLAND, Calif., Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ --
Centrro, Inc., a vertical search engine designed to help consumers find personal financial products that complement their specific credit profile, today announced the acquisition of BarNone, Inc., a leading provider of specialty finance and consumer services. Centrro acquired BarNone from First Advantage Corporation (NASDAQ:FADV), a leading provider of innovative risk mitigation solutions. Terms of the acquisition, which was finalized August 21, 2009, were not disclosed.
BarNone provides cost effective, credit-based lead generation solutions to U.S. automotive dealerships. The company identifies credit-challenged consumers who need assistance in obtaining automobile financing, then helps connect them with qualified dealers in a unique, hassle-free manner.
"Auto loans are a key component of our offerings at KnowBeforeYouApply.com," said Ike Eze, president and CEO of Centrro. "As we looked at building out this vertical, we recognized that auto dealers would be an important strategic component. The acquisition of BarNone, along with its recognizable brand and strong dealer network, allows Centrro to further expand our presence in the automotive market."
Like other auto-related lead generation companies, BarNone has been affected by the economic downturn. Centrro, already an online marketer of credit card and mortgage products, will be leveraging their proven experience along with the acquisition to position BarNone as a brand market leader in the automotive marketing space.
"Through Centrro, we're pleased to continue working with BarNone and supporting the BarNone dealer network," said Eric Rumsey, former president of BarNone and current president of First Advantage CREDCO. "Under the new arrangement, First Advantage CREDCO will continue to provide CREDCO credit reports and other consumer information solutions to participating BarNone dealers."
Founded in 1995, BarNone features a scalable platform that supports lead generation for automotive dealerships, as well as a 24-hour call center and Web based application capability. They offer a complete suite of advertising media solutions, including Internet leads, customized pre-screened direct mail, and national and local television advertising. BarNone's own CRM lead management solution and exclusive licensing opportunities are also available.
About Centrro, Inc.
Centrro is a search engine designed to help consumers find personal financial products that best fit their unique needs. More information about Centrro is available at http://www.centrro.com/.
Our direct-to-consumer service, KnowBeforeYouApply.com, is a free tool for consumers to find personal finance products based on their credit. The transparent marketplace pulls consumers' credit reports for free and delivers an easy-to-understand grade that communicates credit risk. Using this, consumers shop anonymously for products that fit their credit profiles without ever applying, translating to higher approval rates from lenders and higher satisfaction rates for customers. For more information, please visit http://www.knowbeforeyouapply.com/.
About BarNone, Inc.
BarNone, Inc. is a leading provider of credit-based lead generation, processing and tracking services for the automotive industry. BarNone assists thousands of U.S. consumers each year to find financing for auto purchases. Combining industry experience, proprietary technology and strategic partnerships, the company delivers lead generation solutions nationwide. More information about BarNone is available at http://www.barnone.com/.
About First Advantage Corporation
First Advantage Corporation (NASDAQ:FADV) provides innovative products and services that mitigate risk by helping businesses, non-profit organizations and government agencies make more informed decisions. Headquartered in Poway, CA, the company has employees in 12 countries that support over 90,000 clients globally. More information about First Advantage is available at http://www.fadv.com/.
First Advantage CREDCO, a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Advantage Corporation and part of its Credit Services segment, processes tens of millions of consumer transactions annually and is the leading provider of specialty credit reports and services to the automotive industry. Additionally, First Advantage CREDCO provides the automotive industry with comprehensive identity verification and consumer lead solutions. More information about the company is available at http://www.credcoservices.com/.
DATASOURCE: Centrro, Inc.
CONTACT: Ike Eze, CEO for Centrro, Inc., +1-510-228-5544,
Web Site: http://www.centrro.com/