E. W. Scripps, which already owns Shopzilla, is adding UK online price-comparison site uSwitch.com to its interactive operations for $366 million (210 million pounds). Unlike Shopzilla, which focuses on consumer goods, uSwitch’s emphasis is on areas including utilities, credit cards,phone, digital TV and broadband. For instance, UK consumers grappling with 22 percent increases in gas and electricity prices from British Gas use the site to find cheaper alternatives—and to switch providers.
The acquisition will dilute earnings for 2006 and 2007. But adding uSwitch to internationally expanding Shopzilla gives Scripps a stronger foundation for its interactive efforts.  The uSwitch management team, including CEO Andrew Salmon; Tim Peterman, SVP-interactive media will oversee the interactive media division including the two comparison sites and Shop at Home. Scripps president and CEO Ken Lowe: “We believe the uSwitch service and brand provide a sturdy platform on which we can expand into Europe and beyond.”
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