TIMES ONLINE -- Apr 18 -- In five years, Marc Simoncini has lifted taboos, attracted younger customers and transformed internet dating into a popular pastime for a liberated nation seeking excitement. Now the founder of Meetic, the French site, hopes to do the same thing in Britain. "We're going to shake things up a bit," says Mr Simoncini, who purchased DatingDirect for £27.3 million in January. He's promising massive advertising, instant messaging and a connection to Meetic's 28 million users throughout Europe, and is pledging the Gallic approach to romance. "There are only two philosophies in this business," Mr Simoncini, 43, said. "The American philosophy and the French one. The Americans try to sell you love. We sell une rencontre [an encounter] and I don't care what happens afterwards." "We've managed to make online dating something that is lighter and more fun," he said. The average age of the group's French customers is 32, compared to 41 for online dating agencies in Britain and an average of 46 worldwide. The group has acquired businesses in China, Brazil and the Netherlands, and recorded profits growing 77% in 2006 to €10.1 million. Annual sales have risen from €1.1 million in 2002 to €79 million last year.


15m - Single people in France

80% - Meetic's market share in France

€29 - Monthly cost of a Meetic subscription

400,000 - Paying subscribers in France

€243m - Value of online dating industry in Europe

€485m - Value of online dating industry in the United States

FULL ARTICLE @ TIMES ONLINE