Landmark buys FranchiseGator.com from Microsoft

A division of Landmark Media Enterprises LLC of Norfolk, which publishes The Virginian-Pilot, said Friday that it had bought FranchiseGator.com from Microsoft Corp.

Michael Alston, the president of Landmark Interactive, declined to disclose the terms.

FranchiseGator.com, founded in 2001, advertises franchising opportunities to potential franchisees on the Internet.

The recession, Alston said, did not affect the purchase.

"We have been looking at this company for a long time as a way to serve customers better and expand our footprint," he said.

FranchiseGator.com, which employs 15, will remain based in Atlanta, Alston said.