Match.com dating site expands overseas partnerships

NEW YORK, May 19 (Reuters) - Online dating site Match.com will announce on Monday an expansion of its partnerships in Latin America and Australia in two multimillion dollar deals.

Match.com will expand its ties to Terra, Latin America's largest Internet portal, to become the exclusive online dating provider in seven new countries in the region. The company also has a partnership in Latin America with Microsoft Corp's (MSFT.O: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) MSN.

"Across Latin America, this will make us the clear No. 1 player in the region," Match.com Chief Executive Thomas Enraght-Moony told Reuters.

The company will also launch a new service with Australian partner ninemsn, a venture between Microsoft and PBL Media, to offer online dating integrated with instant messaging and other features to an audience of nearly 8 million monthly visitors.

Match.com is part of Internet conglomerate IAC/InterActiveCorp (IACI.O: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) and its role within the company is expected to grow when IAC spins off four of its other business units to focus on Web media and advertising properties.

In the first quarter, Match.com's international subscriber base grew by 8 percent. (Reporting by Michele Gershberg, Editing by Jacqueline Wong)