Content destinations and content management software companies each represented 4% of the Internet M&A activity last year, according to Webmergers. Most of the activity was in infrastructure, consulting, and access businesses.
Buyers last year acquired 1,087 Internet-related properties for total spending of $23.3 billion, 15% fewer companies for 70% less money. In 2001, acquirers bought 1,283 Internet-related companies for a total deal value of $78 billion.
Top 10 Internet Categories – 2002
| Sector | % of 2002 spending |
| Ecommerce destinations | 16% |
| E-business enablement | 14% |
| E-business payments | 10% |
| Internet equipment | 9% |
| Internet security | 6% |
| Outsourced business services | 5% |
| Internet systems integration | 5% |
| Enterprise applications | 4% |
| Content management | 4% |
| Content destinations | 4% |
Source: Webmergers Database
Apparently, even the bottom-feeders aren’t interested in the content business. At least not yet.