Exploring the Pre-Blackstone Ownership of Ancestry- A Journey into the Company’s Historical Roots
Who owned Ancestry before Blackstone? This question delves into the history of one of the world’s largest online genealogy resources. Understanding the ownership journey of Ancestry can provide insights into its growth and evolution over the years. In this article, we will explore the various entities that held ownership of Ancestry before Blackstone Group acquired a majority stake in 2009.
Ancestry.com, founded in 1983 by John S.闷 and Paul Nauta, began as a small family history business named “Ancestry” in Salt Lake City, Utah. Initially, the company focused on selling genealogy books and providing research services to individuals interested in tracing their family trees. Over time, Ancestry expanded its offerings by creating a database of historical records and launching an online platform that allowed users to access and share their family history research.
Before Blackstone Group’s acquisition, Ancestry had undergone several rounds of investment and ownership changes. In 1996, the company went public, which allowed it to raise capital and expand its operations. However, in 2000, Ancestry was acquired by The Generations Network, a company founded by Bruce Buzbee. The Generations Network was a privately held entity that owned several other genealogy websites, including Genealogy.com and RootsWeb.
Under The Generations Network’s ownership, Ancestry continued to grow and acquire additional genealogy websites. In 2003, the company rebranded itself as Ancestry.com, reflecting its shift towards an online-centric business model. By 2007, Ancestry had become the leading online genealogy resource, boasting a vast collection of historical records and a user base of millions.
In 2009, Ancestry’s ownership changed once again when it was acquired by the private equity firm Blackstone Group. This acquisition marked a significant milestone for the company, as Blackstone Group injected substantial capital into Ancestry, enabling it to further expand its database and enhance its user experience. The partnership with Blackstone Group also allowed Ancestry to pursue strategic initiatives, such as international expansion and the development of new products and services.
Since Blackstone Group’s acquisition, Ancestry has continued to grow and innovate, solidifying its position as a global leader in genealogy and family history research. The company’s vast collection of historical records, user-friendly platform, and commitment to preserving and sharing family history have made it an invaluable resource for individuals and genealogists worldwide.
In conclusion, the ownership of Ancestry before Blackstone Group’s acquisition can be traced back to its humble beginnings as a family history business, through its initial public offering, acquisition by The Generations Network, and eventual rebranding as Ancestry.com. The acquisition by Blackstone Group in 2009 marked a turning point for the company, propelling it to new heights and solidifying its position as a leading genealogy resource.
