Bazaarvoice Buys Visual Analytics Specialist Curalate

In the US, word-of-mouth specialist Bazaarvoice has acquired visual commerce and analytics platform Curalate. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

Headquartered in Philadelphia, with offices in New York, Seattle and London, Curalate provides brands with tools to convert product images or video into a storefront through which consumers can discover products. The firm also offers access to web site and social media analytics, to help understand what products and content people want from a company. In addition, the firm's discovery engine can offer personalization and recommendations based on tagged content.

Curalate co-founders Apu Gupta and Nick Shiftan (pictured) will join the Bazaarvoice team. Bazaarvoice CEO Keith Nealon comments: 'Consumers are increasingly referring to images and videos within reviews to be able to buy online with confidence. Our acquisition means brands and retailers can take advantage of the huge consumer appetite for visual content and online shopping. They will benefit from the most engaging and effective ratings and review content, expertly delivered through partnerships with the world's major social media platforms'.

Web sites: www.bazaarvoice.com and www.curalate.com .