Dive Brief:
- WordPress.com parent Automattic is acquiring WooCommerce, an e-commerce tools company that provides a sales plug-in for WordPress sites.
- Automattic will pay an estimated $30 million in cash and stock for WooCommerce, which powers about 600,000 sites.
- WordPress and WooCommerce currently offer free basic versions to users, charging for additional capabilities.
Dive Insight:
Automattic, operator of WordPress.com, seems set to bring more users e-commerce capabilities with the buyout of WooCommerce, makers of a software plug-in that allows WordPress publishers to turn their sites into online stores. Competing with Shopify and Bigcommerce, WooCommerce powers more than 600,000 sites.
Like its new parent, WooCommerce offers users a free basic version online, but charges for expanded features such as an add-on that provides product recommendations. The deal is worth an estimated $30 million in cash and stock.
