AOL expands eastwards

AUSSIE Online Limited has launched the first stage of its national expansion with the opening of a Melbourne office.

The company plans to launch a significant marketing and media campaign in the State from 1 May.

AOL’s push follows its recent entry into the fast-growing online real estate directory market through the acquisition of Commerce Australia Pty Ltd and placements totalling $7 million to parties including European investment company Investa AG.

The company’s flagship aussie.com.au national business directory portal registered more than one million hits in February.

AOL managing director Peter Youd said, over the past few months, WA had served as a test bed for its Internet growth plans.

Mr Youd said the company was currently registering as many as 500 new businesses every day.