ATLANTA -

Just before Christmas, AutoTrader.com finalized the last of its major acquisitions that came during the last quarter of 2010.

Site executives revealed the completion of their transaction to secure the assets of HomeNet Automotive. They indicated the move means HomeNet’s assets will be acquired by a newly formed wholly-owned subsidiary of AutoTrader.com.

AutoTrader.com emphasized its purchase of HomeNet’s assets is meant to bring a variety of benefits to dealers who post vehicles for sale on AutoTrader.com, including the chance for buyers to research and compare vehicles, find dealer specials, review inventory of units for sale and select dealerships to visit.

Furthermore, the site insisted dealers who choose to incorporate HomeNet’s proprietary inventory management system into AutoTrader.com dealer tools can gain easier and faster inventory management and merchandising online. 

Executives noted the closing of the HomeNet purchase is the third in a series of acquisitions AutoTrader.com has announced in recent months. Last September, AutoTrader.com announced the purchase of vAuto, a provider of advanced software tools for used vehicle management, pricing and inventory optimization. Then a month later, AutoTrader.com revealed its acquisition of Kelley Blue Book.

“With the closing of the HomeNet acquisition, AutoTrader.com has brought together an amazing set of companies, people and automotive marketing and merchandising solutions under one roof,” stated AutoTrader.com president and chief executive officer Chip Perry.

“We look forward to the next stage of our evolution as we work to continue serving auto manufacturers, auto dealers and auto shoppers through AutoTrader.com and these three outstanding companies,” Perry concluded.