United Online

United Online emerged in June 2001 from the strategic merger of two prominent Internet service providers, NetZero and Juno Online Services, establishing itself as a significant player in the U.S. ISP market. This union combined the strengths of NetZero, founded in 1997, and Juno, founded in 1995 by Charles Ardai, Brian Marsh, and Clifford Tse with backing from D.E. Shaw & Co. The newly formed entity, United Online, began trading on the Nasdaq under the symbol UNTD on September 26, 2001.

Over the years, the company expanded its portfolio through key acquisitions, including Classmates Online in 2004 and the loyalty marketing firm MyPoints in 2006. This diversification strategy led to the operation of two primary business segments: a Communications segment centered on internet access and a Content & Media segment focused on social networking and loyalty services. The company's business model for its ISP services, NetZero and Juno, revolved around offering value-priced internet access, including free, dial-up, DSL, and mobile broadband options, primarily monetized through subscription fees and advertising. The Content & Media arm generated revenue through its social networking platforms, Classmates and StayFriends, and the MyPoints loyalty marketing service.

United Online's offerings included a range of internet services tailored to different consumer needs. NetZero and Juno provided free dial-up access with monthly time limits, alongside paid unlimited and accelerated dial-up services. They later introduced DSL and mobile broadband to cater to the growing demand for higher-speed internet. The company also provided ancillary services such as email, web hosting, and WiFi security. In a significant corporate restructuring, United Online spun off its FTD floral delivery subsidiary in 2013. Continuing to evolve, the company was acquired by B. Riley Financial, Inc. on July 1, 2016, in a transaction valued at approximately $170 million, after which it became a subsidiary of the investment bank and was delisted from Nasdaq.

Keywords: United Online, NetZero, Juno, ISP, dial-up internet, mobile broadband, Classmates.com, MyPoints, loyalty marketing, B. Riley Financial, internet service provider, social networking, web hosting, email services, UNTD, online services, consumer internet, digital media, DSL access