GO211 Parent Acquired by Metacafe

Action Sports, Inc., parent of popular online streaming service GO211.com has been sold to online video hub Metacafe, for an undisclosed sum. Metacafe issued a press release today stating that GO211 will remain a “distinct destination” after the acquisition, and that Action Sports, Inc. CEO Sean Aruda will assume the role of Chief Revenue Officer at Metacafe.

Metacafe was an early frontrunner in the pre-YouTube user-generated video space. But rather than be a YouTube “also ran,” management took Metacafe in another direction, instead focusing on professionally-produced content aimed at 18-34 year olds (which, all will agree, is a great fit for GO211′s audience).

“Metacafe is at the forefront of making online video an entertainment genre in its own right, and our acquisition of Go211 bolsters our leadership position and demonstrates our commitment to delivering high-quality premium content.” Said Erick Hachenburg, CEO of Metacafe in a release.

In the same release, ABA CEO BA Anderson said “We’re enthusiastic about the Metacafe-Go211 alliance, which will enable us to reach a larger audience and put the power of online video to use in new and innovative ways.”

A quick look at Metacafe.com makes it clear that GO211 is in good hands and poised to springboard to a new level of growth. Metacafe had 7.3 million unique visitors in July, as opposed to GO211′s 1.5 million (source: compete.com, though Metacafe’s release touted the post-acquisition combined traffic at over 17 million unique visitors per month).

No doubt that the inevitable cross-promotion between the two will raise GO211′s profile and user base. In GO211, Metacafe gets an established platform for action sports content, and will surely incorporate that content into their forthcoming all-sports “channel,” the release said.

The full press release is on Metacafe’s website

It will be very interesting to see how this development enhances the GO211/ABA partnership and potentially puts BMX Racing on the screens of tons more viewers each month.

We’re talking about it on the Vintage forum, so come on over.

—Mike Carruth