Publicly Traded SEO Firms?

[Canton]

I'm wondering if anyone knows if there is a list of publicly traded SEO firms (plus publicly traded firms that may own an SEO firms or have an SEO division)...

I've done some research about SEO in the news (going from fairly esoteric to more mainstream over the past couple of years)...if anyone would like that info, let me know and I'll sticky mail the links...again, I'm wondering what publicly traded SEO firms exist. I remember an SEO firm being purchased a few years ago for a large sum of money, but can't specifically remember that firm either...any help is appreciated.

Thanks,

~Canton

[fathom]

None now... that I know of. Pageoneresults would likely know though.

[jeremy goodrich]

There are at least 2 that I know of. We've discussed them both here before...

And, more than just pageoneresults would know that information :)

Since the site search brought up a page which is a 404 (about this same topic, discussing one of these firms), I'm guessing the decision was made not to promote these companies this way.

So my recommendation would be to do a search at finance.yahoo.com to see which are listed.

LookSmart is considered an SEO firm these days. So that would make 3.

[fathom]

And, more than just pageoneresults would know that information

I was wrong once, a long time ago.

I thought I had made a mistake, but didn't.

So this could be the first time, or since I thought I was wrong might be considered the first.

But this definitely isn't the third. :)

Sorry for the mis-information Canton, I promise not to do it again.

Aw man... off-topic! Ok it's the third.

[Canton]

jeremy goodrich...

Thanks...could you sticky mail me the publicly traded firms? I mean actual SEO/SEM firms though, that use skill to position their clients in the engines, not Overture, L$, etc. that accept money to place sites in their own directories (what is essentially a "media buy").

Thanks in advance, if you have the time...

[pageoneresults]

> Pageoneresults would likely know though.

fathom, I appreciate your confidence but this is one area that I've not researched yet. I know there are more than a few publicly traded marketing firms and/or ad agencies that list SEO/SEM as one of their services.

As far as a company performing only SEO and being publicly traded, it sounds like Jeremy has the scoop on that one. I haven't really seen any one SEO company that was large enough to go public (in my opinion only). And, as an investor, I would be leery of making an investment in this industry because it is too unpredictable.

How would you like to have a major share in an SEO firm and they turn around and get all of their clients banned. What happens then? Eek, too iffy for me. I like some security. ;)

[Gizmare]

I would be interested in a sticky mail with those links! :)

Thanks in advance,
Gizmare

[pageoneresults]

> I mean actual SEO/SEM firms though, that use skill to position their clients in the engines, not Overture, L$, etc.

Canton, there are quite a few of us who fit the above criteria. Problem is, the industry has shifted towards media buys as you refer to it. Finding companies who are public and offer only traditional SEO without the media buys is going to be difficult.

I'd like to see your research on SEO over the past couple of years. I'm always up for a good read! ;)

[frostlorraine]

Canton,

I know of at least one case that fits the bill, and it's the one that you allude to in your first post.

Website Results was purchased by 24/7 Media (a then public company) in September of 2000 for $95 million. Last I checked 24/7 Media (now 24/7 Real Media) is still a public company, and still does SEO.

For more on that acquisition see this article:
[searchenginewatch.com...]

Lorraine