9flats Continues Expansion With Purchase of iStopOver

     (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120806/553987 )

Founder and CEO of 9flats.com Stephan Uhrenbacher considers this acquisition an important step as it supports the company's strategy in growing its offerings in markets outside of Europe . "    

Co-Founder and CEO of iStopOver Anthony Lipschitz said

New and existing clients will benefit from the synergies of both platforms. 9flats will now be able to offer customers a wider variety of options, particularly for those looking to travel in North America , South Africa and Australia , where iStopOver is already active. As well, existing iStopOver customers in the US or Canada who want to discover Europe in a unique way will be able to more easily do so via 9flats. Hosts on both sides of the Atlantic will gain a wider audience for their properties, giving them the opportunity to increase their bookings and there will no longer be booking fees for North American customers thanks to the "no fees" policy of 9flats. In addition, all customers will benefit from 9flats' insurance policy that covers property damages of up to €500,000.

  continued Stephan Uhrenbacher, CEO of 9flats.

9flats will continue its focus on the expansion of its customer support team. This announcement will also see the 9flats customer service team double in size with new positions being based in the Toronto office. The dedicated 9flats customer service team is available for host or guest queries or emergencies and users can now chat live online directly with service staff.

Photo: Stephan Uhrenbacher, LOGO: 9flats

About 9flats

9flats is an online marketplace for private accommodation that facilitates smarter and more local travel. Through the site, members can rent private places worldwide or let out their own place for extra income. 9flats launched in February 2011 and currently lists more than 100,000 beds in more than 100 countries, with properties ranging from private rooms to apartments and houses.  9flats.com was founded by Stephan Uhrenbacher, one of Germany's leading Internet entrepreneurs, who was involved in both the success of travel booking site lastminute.com and founded Qype.com, Europe's most popular local review site. The company's headquarters is located in Berlin and currently employs 100 people.

Erin Mullally
9flats.com
Tel: +44(0)208-133-3140
emullally@9flats.com