To add to its growing portfolio of online local search websites, Canpages Inc. has acquired GigPark an online social media platform that allows users to find local businesses and service providers through recommendations from friends.
The acquisition enables Canpages to integrate the user recommendations from GigPark.com into its online local search platform Canpages.ca, as well as mobile products.
“Online recommendations, especially those from a user’s social networks, are increasingly important when choosing which local businesses to buy from,” said Olivier Vincent, president and CEO of Vancouver-based Canpages, in a statement.
Pema Hegan and Noah Godfrey founded GigPark in 2007, and will join the Canpages Toronto team. The pair were also behind the launch of the short-lived free daily newspaper Dose.
GigPark is Canpages’ fourth acquisition this year. The other three include Ziplocal.ca, PhoneGuide and EZ Finder Phonebooks in five Alberta markets.
Canpages boasts more than 3.5 million unique visitors each month, and reaches more than 8 million homes and businesses across the country. The company employs 700 people.
