Natural language search engine firm Ask Jeeves Inc has formed a subsidiary to look after the global market, Ask Jeeves International Inc, and has set the ball rolling with a $124m UK joint venture with two of the country’s biggest media outfits.
Carlton Communications Plc and Granada Media Group, have have each invested 20m pounds ($31m) in a joint venture that will own 50% of the new company. The US company, a subsidiary of Emeryville, California-based AskJeeves will contribute the remainder.
The joint venture will bring AskJeeves’ natural language search engine functions to Ask.co.uk, with search results specifically tailored to a UK and Ireland audience. The usual revenue streams of advertising and e-commerce will apply and the company will form partnerships to link to UK web shops.
