Equifax Inc. has acquired Internet marketing services company Naviant Inc. for $135 million.

Through the acquisition, the Atlanta-based credit bureau and information services company will gain access to Naviant’s database of more than 100 million permission-based e-mail addresses.

Equifax said the acquisition will help reach into new industries and further penetrate Naviant’s 3,000 customers and give it a significant new distribution channel for its growing direct to consumer business.

“Our combination with Equifax brings substantial strength and momentum to our rapidly growing eMarketing business,” said former Naviant CEO Michael Brauser.

Brauser will continue to oversee Naviant’s day-to-day operations.

The acquisition is expected to have an immediate financial benefit to Equifax. Naviant’s full-year 2002 revenues are expected to be approximately $60 million. The transaction is expected to be neutral to 2002 earnings and accretive in 2003.

Naviant also recently acquired a minority stake in online advertising company 24/7 Real Media. Naviant, which also owns eDirect, SweepsClub.com and Data One Marketing, has acquired 41 million e-mail addresses in the deal. Naviant already has about 62 million addresses. Naviant has 38 million postal files (DIRECT Newsline, May 2).

Naviant products and services include e-mail list sales and append services and list services, including its High Tech Household file, reportedly the largest and most comprehensive resource for Internet-enabled households.

Equifax Inc. has acquired Internet marketing services company Naviant Inc. for $135 million.

Through the acquisition, the Atlanta-based credit bureau and information services company will gain access to Naviant’s database of more than 100 million permission-based e-mail addresses.

“The acquisition of Naviant accelerates our strategy of growth through the enrichment of our data assets and strategic acquisitions,” said Equifax chairman/CEO Thomas F. Chapman, in a statement.