Home Depot acquires online company

By Arielle Kass

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Home Depot has acquired an online company that sets customers up with professional contractors, but said it is too soon to say what its plans are for the California business.

Redbeacon.com aims to be a service destination, whether for photographers or plumbers, according to the company's website. Founded by two former Google employees, Redbeacon allows customers to see price quotes from the companies they are considering hiring, in addition to reviews and other information, and to schedule appointments online.

For now, Redbeacon's leadership will remain in place and it will continue to operate as a standalone business. Home Depot spokeswoman Jean Niemi said she did not know if Redbeacon would grow beyond the 11 cities it currently operates in, including Atlanta.

With Redbeacon, Home Depot has an opportunity to expand its home services offerings, Niemi said, which connects shoppers to professionals through a referral service.

In the Atlanta-based home improvement retailer's home services operation, customers can call Home Depot or go online to request professional help with projects like painting or floor installation. While Home Depot provides independent contractors to customers who use the service, the Redbeacon model allows several contractors to contact a customer to offer their services.

Home Depot acquired the company for its technology and its employees, Niemi said, but would not say how many employees Redbeacon had. A spokesperson for Redbeacon did not return a phone call and an email seeking comment, but there are 20 employees listed on the company's website. It was founded in 2009.

Home Depot did not disclose how much it paid for the business.