Web content and community management specialist Sift has completed its acquisition of Cambridge-based Virtual Business Network (VBN) Ltd. Sift, headquartered in Bristol, became the new owner following the VBN board's recommendation of Sift's offer on Friday 2nd June 2006.

Both Sift and VBN have established reputations in delivering web content management solutions and supporting online communities and professional networks. The acquisition will extend Sift's reach further into this vibrant market, whilst strengthening the product and service offering to clients.

Reflecting on the acquisition, Peter Harverson, Chairman of VBN, says:
'The senior management team at VBN had grown the business very successfully to a point where scale and capacity were the next big strategic challenge. The options ahead were to make further investment into the business, maybe make an acquisition ourselves, or look to other similar providers for operational synergies and a shared vision for growth.'

'Sift meets the criteria. It is firmly established as a leading provider of web solutions where the need for online professional networks is a critical factor in an organisation's commercial success. We've known Sift for a long time and we're very pleased with the acquisition, and with the way the integration is being handled.'

Ben Heald, CEO of Sift, adds:

'The VBN business model, product set and client base are a great fit with Sift. The acquisition creates a company with the skills, resources, technology and experience to deliver even better solutions to our clients' online needs, and we are confident of greater business opportunities as we take the combined group forward.'

For further information, please contact:

Sift
Ben Heald, CEO | bheald@sift.com | 07710 428871
Helen Trim, Sales & Marketing Director | helen.trim@sift.com | 07730 919183
Darren Falkingham, Marketing Manager | darren.falkingham@sift.com | 07799 534774

Sift, 100 Victoria Street, Bristol, BS1 6HZ, United Kingdom | 0117 915 9609

VBN
Andy Dedman, CEO | andy.dedman@vbnonline.com | 07841 287458

VBN, St Andrews House, St Andrews Road, Chesterton, Cambridge, CB4 1DL, United Kingdom | 01223 535150

Sift was established in 1996 and today provides its Sift Unity CMS (content management system) and online community platform to over 400 clients including Bristol City Council, British Mensa, Centaur Media plc, European Commission, John Wiley & Sons, The Kennel Club, NHS, Northumberland County Council, Scottish Executive and York City Council.

Sift's key markets are business and niche consumer publishers, public sector bodies, and not-for profit organisations. Supported by the Sift Seminar Series, Sift keeps its clients at the forefront of the latest online engagement techniques. Sift has 90 staff and will generate revenues in excess of £6m in the current financial year.

Virtual Business Network (VBN), formed in 1999, is an application service provider that specialises in online engagement. VBN helps clients to build more effective relationships with their target audiences online. Our solutions combine a unique web content management platform with expert consultancy services to deliver real benefits to B2B publishers, the public sector, associations and charities.

VBN's clients include The Cambridge Network, Lincolnshire County Council, The Scottish NHS, Christian Aid and the YMCA amongst others.