News Corp acquires 25 per cent stake in tradespeople classifieds website hipages

News Corp Australia has acquired a 25 per cent stake in hipages, a website for finding and hiring tradespeople, as the publisher looks to grow its property and home services category.

Launched in 2004, hipages employs over 200 people and raised $6m in May last year from Right Click Capital, Ellerston Capital and Australian Ethical Investment, raising a further $6m in June this year from existing investors along with Kestrel Capital.

Peter Tonagh, News Corp Australia CEO, said in a statement: “The investment is part of a wider plan to further develop and grow the property and home services category in Australia. hipages is a leader in this market and has consistently demonstrated innovation and strong management.

“We look forward to working with the hipages team to realise further benefits for both our businesses in the property and home services category.”