Thursday, May 9, 2013

market leader (active Rain) acquired by Trulia

Trulia Market Leader AcquisitionWe wanted to be the first to share the news with you.
Today, it was announced that Market Leader is being acquired by Trulia.
For anyone unaware, Market Leader is the parent company of ActiveRain and is the leading provider of Internet based customer relationship management & marketing software in the residential real estate industry. Trulia is a leading online destination for real estate, enabling real estate professionals to communicate with hundreds of thousands of transaction-ready home buyers and sellers each month. The combined company will have more than 135,000 software customers using Market Leader software AND more than 31 million home buyers and sellers that visit Trulia each month.
So, what does this mean for ActiveRain members?
Not much actually.
It will be business as usual at both ActiveRain and Market Leader. ActiveRain will continue to operate as ActiveRain. Market Leader will continue to operate under the Market Leader brand and continue day-to-day operations largely unchanged. We are all excited about this deal, and the entire ActiveRain team will continue with the same responsibilities as before.
Over time, we expect that we will be able to offer you various additional products and services that will arise from integration of the two companies’ products.
Stay tuned as there are great things to come. Bob, Kerrie, myself and the rest of the team here at ActiveRain will be monitoring this blog post all day. Feel free to leave us a comment or ask a question.
Below are some links to press coverage of our announcement:

Jump to Comments

Legal Disclaimer - Forward-Looking Statements
Statements made in this communication and related statements that express Market Leader, Inc’s (“Market Leader”) or our management’s intentions, hopes, indications, beliefs, expectations, or predictions of the future constitute forward-looking statements, as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and relate to matters that are not historical facts. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “could,” “intends,” “target,” “projects,” “contemplates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential” or “continue” or the negative of these words or other similar terms or expressions that concern Market Leader’s expectations, strategy, plans or intentions. These statements include those regarding the closing of the merger transaction, the expected timing of the merger transaction and the potential effects of the merger transaction, including if it does not close.
These statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results or events to vary materially from those indicated in this communication, including: the ability to obtain regulatory approvals of the merger transaction on the proposed terms and schedule; the failure of Market Leader’s shareholders to approve the merger transaction; disruption to our business, including customer, employee and supplier relationships resulting from the merger transaction; the effect of the merger transaction on pricing, spending, third-party relationships and revenues; and other factors described in Market Leader’s reports filed with the SEC, including our annual report for the year ended December 31, 2012 and subsequent quarterly reports filed with the SEC, which risks and uncertainties are incorporated herein by reference. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this communication. Except to the extent required by law, Market Leader disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the distribution of this communication, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, or otherwise.
Important Additional Information about the Proposed Transaction
This communication does not constitute a solicitation of any vote or approval. This filing is being made in respect of a proposed merger transaction involving Trulia, Inc. (“Trulia”) and Market Leader. In connection with the proposed transaction, Trulia plans to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) a Registration Statement on Form S-4 that will include a proxy statement of Market Leader, Inc. that also constitutes a prospectus of Trulia.
Market Leader, Inc. will mail the proxy statement/prospectus to each of its shareholders. THE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS TO BE FILED WITH THE SEC RELATED TO THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT TRULIA, INC, MARKET LEADER, INC., THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND RELATED MATTERS. INVESTORS ARE URGED TO CAREFULLY READ THE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS TO BE FILED WITH THE SEC (OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS) IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED MERGER, WHEN AVAILABLE.
Investors and shareholders will be able to obtain free copies of the joint proxy statement/prospectus, when it is filed with the SEC, and other documents filed by Market Leader with the SEC through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov or by contacting Market Leader Investor Relations at ir@marketleader.com. In addition, investors and shareholders will be able to obtain free copies of the documents filed with the SEC on Market Leader’s website at www.marketleader.com (which website is not incorporated herein by reference).
Participants in the Acquisition of Market Leader
Market Leader, Trulia and their respective directors and officers and certain other members of management and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from its shareholders in connection with the merger transaction. Information regarding these persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be considered participants in the solicitation of Market Leader’s shareholders in connection with the proposed merger transaction will be set forth in the Registration Statement on Form S-4 and proxy statement/prospectus described above when filed with the SEC. Additional information regarding Trulia’s executive officers and directors is included in Trulia’s definitive proxy statement, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 29, 2013, and additional information regarding Market Leader’s executive officers and directors is included in Market Leader’s definitive proxy statement, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 15, 2013. You can obtain free copies of these documents from Trulia or Market Leader using the contact information above.

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123 Comments on Market Leader to be Acquired By Trulia
20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

MAY
08
619,905 Points11 Featured PostsOutside BlogAttended Rain CampCalled Shot Master
I haven't read anyone mention this in their comments but I wouldnt mind having either Trulia CEO Pete Flint or someone from Trulia come on here and make a comment. I think we deserve to know of their future plans with Market Leader and Active Rain.
12:25pm • #106
1 Featured PostOutside Blog
I feel like Debbie mentioned above: I don't like paying to be an exclusive agent for a particular market with Market Leader and now another agent with Trulia who also paid for the same exclusive market are now competing for the same leads. Is one better than the other? Will it be combined under a totally different name and we agents start all over again paying for leads or get into a bidding war? So can someone please explain how they think this will turn out?
Actually I thank AR for the training and I hope that this training will be sufficient to generate my own leads to a point where I won't need their solutions. Better still, there will be this 'visionary' that will appear and help us all through this.
12:31pm • #107
1 Featured Post
I think as many have written so far is that we have to give this the benefit of the doubt so to speak.
That said, I did spent a considerable amount of time on Zillow years back being one of it's Top Contributors on their message boards to consumers regarding loan questions, only to be Thrown Under the Bus with their New Fee initiatives for both Loan Officer and Realtors.
Let's just hope that AR through it's new owner does not follow suit whether it's monetary or otherwise.
Thanks for the update.
12:54pm • #108
Lanre - We had a big company meeting today and skyped in Pete. He has reiterated exactly what we've been saying all morning. It's business as usual and everyone is very excited. It was very cool to see him and his excitement.
Rebecca - With business as usual for all of us, it's up to you to look at what best fits your needs. You'll find very honest and transparent views on both sides here in the 'Rain so hopefully that can help you make a good decision.
1:21pm • #109
550,593 Points110 Featured PostsOutside BlogAttended Rain CampCalled Shot Master
Congrats!!! And I'm thinking along the lines of Graciuous Rich. Things were such a hoot back in the days of inception. If I were to hijack a post now I'm sure I'd be tarred and feathered Nikki. Lol. Seriously though, this is outstanding for you Guys. Yay for you :)
1:43pm • #110
1 Featured PostLocalism Sponsor
Hi, Ginger from Trulia here. First off, let me say how much I love Active Rain. I was a very early blogger at Active Rain and really got my blogging chops here. We're thrilled to be welcoming Market Leader into the Trulia family later this year. We can't say a whole lot until the deal is closed but we don't have any plans to change what ActiveRain is today or the value it brings to the industry. Our goal as a business is to continuously improve the value of all of our products to better support our customers and partners. We're a huge believer in the value of the Active Rain community and look forward to being more active in the community and watching it grow and thrive.
2:25pm • #111
469,288 Points24 Featured PostsOutside BlogAttended Rain CampCalled Shot Master
Although I get all the comments, and even agree with most of what the AR people have been saying in support of the take over....
Long and short, Trulia and or any company has only one objective...... money.
If they can't make it in some way from their investment, they will create a format in which they can, so until the cashflow for them has been established they will leave things alone..... after that who knows.
With Zoocasa having made a huge leap into Canada with Rogers, I suspect Trulia's hands may have been forced to get their value and momentum going in the right direction, and them buying market leader from their perspective is a smart move.
The bigger problem i see from all these large organizations is that eventually they will operate/own our MLS systems, and we will have lost all control and influence over our industry.....
blogging will be the least of our problems then....
2:47pm • #112
413,102 Points25 Featured PostsOutside BlogCalled Shot Master
Nikesh~ forgive me, my "wow" was early this morning...100+ plus comments say a lot, but that shows the real passion of the AR community. I am loyal to AR, my business is loyal to AR. AR is the the leader for RE professionals, and AR provides the gold standard service.
I am passionate about being a better Realtor, and I know that AR is passionate about making it happen...I SAY "TRULIA" welcome to gold standard service...
2:56pm • #113
Thanks TLW - I haven't heard from you in a while. The good news is that I know where you and Broker Bryant live.... :) Thank you very much for the kind words.
2:57pm • #114
Thanks Jon! That means a lot to me and the AR team. We are very excited about what the future holds.
2:59pm • #115
517,727 Points227 Featured PostsLocalism SponsorOutside BlogAttended Rain CampCalled Shot Master
Peter: While I respect you concerns, I'll civilly agree to disagree. We're all of us trying to earn a buck. Nothing wrong with wanting some greenage or turning a profit. Can't fault Trulia for agressively seeking out ways to expand and grow, just like Zillow has been doing as well. Will it have any adverse impact on ActiveRain? I doubt that. But if it ever does, you can publish your content elsewhere. No one will be holding a gun to your head. Meanwhile, a national MLS isn't such a bad idea, a concept many have been kicking around for a very long time. Regional MLS groups have been holding information captive and us collectively hostage for all too long. It would be nice to streamline data entry. But who knows if that's even possible or practical? Regardless, I personally don't believe this acquisition presents any cause for concern...
3:05pm • #116
Rich Jacobson.........I love you man!! :-)
3:13pm • #117
693,205 Points9 Featured PostsOutside BlogCalled Shot Master
I am not sure if this is good news or bad news. I am fairly certain this will mean many additional sales calls being placed to AR members. I hope not but I expect the worst. It would be a shame if Trulia interferes with AR. Please do not let this happen. Thank you..
3:20pm • #118
197,669 Points12 Featured PostsOutside BlogCalled Shot Master
Change could be good, it's not always easy for some to get out of their comfort zone and embrace change, my only hope is that AR doesn't lose it's community feel, I will be right here!
5:35pm • #119
700,195 Points47 Featured PostsLocalism SponsorOutside BlogCalled Shot Master
Nikki change is the constant in life:) I had to smile about your Post as business as usual....we all say that, because it takes at least a year before the buyers really make changes. I have been on both the selling and the buying side of Corporate America....what I find Ironic in your post that the Disclaimer was longer than the post it self:)))
6:01pm • #120
860,857 Points18 Featured PostsLocalism SponsorAttended Rain CampCalled Shot Master
CHANGE -- something we must all expect. I loved this message:
"Stay tuned as there are great things to come." When will we know what great things are to come. I am cautiously optimistic.
8:12pm • #121
250,599 Points16 Featured PostsCalled Shot Master
Well...... I guess I am glad that the AR team that we adore seems to be comfortable and somewhat excited about the change in ownership.
Nikesh, Bob and Kerrie: Thank you for taking the time to monitor our concerns today. As you are well aware, communication is extremely important.
I just wish that I liked Trulia.
8:16pm • #122
1,019,012 Points236 Featured PostsOutside BlogAttended Rain CampCalled Shot Master
Nikki, Bob and Kerrie- it's hard for me to comment since I'm not a Realtor, but I have been here on ActiveRain for a while now and love it. I love the community. And, I've been here through the other change we had and guess what....we survived. Things do change. When you came on board, Nikki, you kept us informed along the way. Keep doing that.
8:47pm • #123
Endre - I know, I know. I tried to shrink the font as much as I could. That disclaimer is required by the SEC since we are both publicly traded companies.
Change is constant in life.
I personally find that change is exciting.
9:07pm • #124
MAY
09
811,293 Points242 Featured PostsLocalism SponsorAttended Rain CampCalled Shot Master
Congrats to Trulia and my friends at Active Rain. If anything, this ensures the permanance of the AR community for the forseeable future, and eliminates the risk that once stood out there that as a startup on a wobbly platform, AR might not have lasted. Guarantees like that come at a cost, but nothing I can see that affects us as individuals in much of a suntantive way.
We'll get a few new phone calls and Trulia will monetize the acquisition that will remove AR from the small town watering hole it once was.
But that doesn't take away the community, it doesn't cancel out the millions of relationships and friendships created here, and it certainly will never nullify the business created, the learning, and the blogging chops of thousands that continue to be developed here.
If anything, the "what's in it for me" get better for us from where I sit. Trulia has the resources to make this a far better, more robust platform. I hope they do.
3:09am • #125
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