Overstock.com Inc announced it is acquiring Ski West Inc. for $25 million in cash plus an earn-out based on future performance. According to the press release, Ski West is privately held company launched in 2001 and "is a rapidly growing, profitable online travel company whose proprietary technology provides easy consumer access to a large, fragmented, hard-to-find inventory of lodging, vacation, cruise and transportation bargains." The travel offerings are primarily in popular ski areas in the U.S. and Canada, with more recent expansion into the Caribbean and Mexico, as well as cruises.

Overstock says the acquisition will enable it to offer its customers hard-to-find and exclusive travel deals through the Internet, consistent with its core shopping business.

The acquisition is expected to close July 1, 2005. For the time being, Ski West will operate as a subsidiary of Overstock.com, and Overstock.com plans to retain Ski West's employees.

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