US-based group operation Ask Jeeves has agreed to acquire full ownership of the UK site for a mix of cash, stock and advertising on Carlton and Granada's media networks.
Ask Jeeves UK said there would be no managerial changes or job cuts from its 66-strong workforce as a result of the deal.
"Carlton and Granada wanted to focus on their core sector of television, but they have retained stock in Ask Jeeves because they wanted to share in the future success of the company without the management responsibility," said a spokesperson for Ask Jeeves UK. "We will be integrated into the group financially, but retain our autonomy, as the UK market is quite different to the US market."
The company has also announced that Ask Jeeves International, the division that includes Ask Jeeves en Espanol, Ask Jeeves UK and Ask Jeeves Japan, would be folded back into the main company and no longer operate as a separate entity. As a result, George Lichter, president of Ask Jeeves International, has left the company.
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