Ad spend in Japan dropped 11.5% year-on-year to $64.9bn in 2009, according to figures from Dentsu. The results are attributed to the global recession and comes despite the positive effects of tax breaks for eco-friendly consumers and elections. It also represents the second consecutive fall after expenditure was down 4.7% in 2008.
Yahoo! announced yesterday that it was considering future options for Kelkoo, which it acquired more than three years ago. The online shopping comparison site has not performed as expected, and it may be put up for sale.
Speaking to the FT, Yahoo! said:
One of the priorities we have identified is to improve the performance of Kelkoo. Today we are starting a process to give Kelkoo more independence - while we evaluate strategic options for the long-term future of the business.
In a seperate development, Yahoo! Japan said it plans to launch an internet portal for TV sets that can handle high-definition programming.
