FriendFinder Networks At Forefront Of Estimated $2.14 Billion Dating Services Market

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Feb. 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- FriendFinder Networks Inc. (NasdaqGM: FFN), a leading internet and technology company providing services in the rapidly expanding markets of social networking, social commerce and web-based video sharing, today is pleased to share market research that affirms the scope of the online dating industry and forecasts the market to exceed $2.5 billion by 2015.  The research report was conducted by Marketdata Enterprises, a Tampa, Florida market research publisher, which has tracked the dating service market since 1998.

"The Marketdata study confirms what we have known for some time - online dating presents a tremendous opportunity for FriendFinder Networks.  Already considered one of the most significant participants in online dating, with properties that include FriendFinder.com, PerfectMatch.com, AsiaFriendFinder.com, SeniorFriendFinder.com, AdultFriendFinder.com, Amigos.com and BigChurch.com, FriendFinder Networks operates more than 40,000 sites, catering to over 528 million registrants.  This robust platform provides us with tremendous coverage and exposure to a strong and growing market," commented Marc Bell, President and CEO of FriendFinder Networks.

Mr. Bell continued, "While all of our sites benefit from a shared technological and operational platform, our focused approach on multiple demographics provides users with an intimate experience focused on the interests, beliefs, and values that are most important to them.  This individualistic approach has allowed FriendFinder Networks to continue to penetrate different areas of the market and establish ourselves as the leader in social networking and dating websites."

According to the study, dating website growth is expected to be 7.2% annually with key drivers that include geographic and mobile application expansion.  FriendFinder Networks is well positioned to address the specific areas driving growth.  For example, AsiaFriendFinder.com is the largest online dating personals site targeted towards Asians with over 34,000,000 members since inception, while Amigos.com is averaging over 75,000 new members each month as users from Brazil and other Latin American countries embrace online dating resources.  Targeted sites based on geography and interests are key drivers that will help propel FriendFinder Networks to further industry leadership. 

In addition, the explosion of smartphone technology has made mobile applications a key component of online dating.  The All FriendFinder App, available on iPhone, Android and other smartphones offers users of any of our sites a way to keep in touch on the go and manage their dating life from the palm of their hand.