GoAntiques Acquires Antique Networking in a ‘Strategic Move’
BATON ROUGE, LA. – Internet antiques sellers GoAntiques, Inc. and Antique Networking, Inc. have merged, creating what may soon be the largest online antiques business on the Web.
The merger creates a single company representing more than 2,000 antiques dealers with more than $80 million in inventory available for online purchase by consumers, antiques dealers, interior designers, and collectors.
The merger comes as a “strategic move for both companies,” according to Kathy Kamnikar, founder of Antique Networking, Inc. “GoAntiques has strengths in areas where we need to grow, and we have strengths in areas they need to pin down,” said Kamnikar. “This is very positive for both companies and for the antiques industry as a whole. It helps move the combined companies forward a giant step toward reaching their goal of being the total Internet-based solution provider for the antiques industry.”
Ken Buhler, founder and CEO of GoAntiques continues as CEO of the merged companies.
Antique Networking, Inc. has been in operation since 195. It owns and operating Web site called buycollectibles.com and has auction capability. The merger will include these vehicles, along with www.antiqnet.com, Antique Networking, Inc.’s primary Web site.
GoAntiques was founded in 1999. Buhler, an 18-year veteran antiques dealer, says his company planned on mergers such as this from the very beginning.
“We knew that if things worked out like we planned, then we would be talking to some of the other companies really soon.” He admits, “Our customers need a safe place on the Web to do business, and the industry needs a market leader who is able to service customers more effectively and efficiently.”
The GoAntiques Network of antiques-related sites (which includes www.buycollectibles.com) will continue operating as in the past with few modifications. All changes are designed to increase participation by antiques dealers and to provide a broader, more complete selection of merchandise for consumer, collectors, designers, and antiques dealers themselves.
Baton Rouge-based GoAntiques is located at 8116 One Calais Avenue.
