Rick's Cabaret International Inc., Acquires Couplesclick.net, Extending Scope of Swingers' Online Matchmaking Services
HOUSTON--(July 18, 2005)--Rick's Cabaret International,
Inc. [RICK:NASDAQ],the
leading operator of gentlemen's nightclubs, said today it has acquired
CouplesClick.net of Bellaire,
Texas, a nationwide online matchmaking service that caters to people
in the "swingers" lifestyle. The CouplesClick.net operations
will be merged with Rick's rapidly growing CouplesTouch.com,
the leading Internet-based dating service for couples in the Southwestern
U.S.
As
part of the acquisition CouplesClick.net founder and CEO Shane
Dodson will join Rick's Cabaret as marketing director for
online matchmaking services.
The terms of the sale provide for Rick's Cabaret subsidiary, RCI
Dating Services, Inc., to acquire the CouplesClick.net
domain name in a stock transaction.
"Shane Dodson has developed one of the top dating services
of its kind in the country and it will broaden our membership base
significantly," according to Eric Langan,
CEO of Rick's Cabaret. "In addressing this growing segment
of online matchmaking services we have identified an area that enables
us to grow our Internet revenue and profit with modest capital investment."
CouplesTouch.com began in 2003. For a nominal monthly fee, the site
allows people to get acquainted online before meeting in person.
Serving primarily Texas and Louisiana residents, It has grown by
about 10 percent in the past year. Launched in January 2004, CouplesClick.net
has a national membership base and also links to couples clubs in
nearly all states. Both sites offer comprehensive information on
members such as their relationship status, sexual preferences, the
kinds of relationships they are looking for, hobbies and personality
traits.
"CouplesClick.net is a perfect match for our couples matchmaking
services, which provide a secure meeting place for the rapidly increasing
number of people around the country who are involved in this alternative
lifestyle choice," said Travis Reese, Rick's
Vice President of Technology. "We are looking forward to further
growth in this sector as we benefit from Shane Dodson's extensive
marketing and promotion skills.
Mr. Reese noted that partner and affiliate programs are available
and he invited Webmasters seeking such opportunities to contact
webmaster@couplestouch.com.
About
Rick's Cabaret
Rick's Cabaret International, Inc. (NASDAQ:
RICK,
www.ricks.com)
operates upscale adult nightclubs serving primarily businessmen
and professionals that offer live adult entertainment and high quality
restaurant and bar operations. The company owns, operates or licenses
eleven adult nightclubs in New York City, New Orleans, Houston,
Minneapolis, Charlotte and other cities under the names "Rick's
Cabaret," "XTC," "Club Onyx" and "Hummers."
No sexual contact is permitted at any of these locations. Rick's
Cabaret also owns an adult Internet membership Web site, www.couplestouch.com,
and a network of nine online auction sites for adult products under
the flagship URL www.naughtybids.com.
Rick's Cabaret common stock is traded on the NASDAQ SmallCap market
under the symbol RICK. For further information contact ir@ricks.com.
Forward-Looking Statements:
This press release may contain forward-looking information within
the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
that involves significant risks and uncertainties, and is subject
to the safe harbors created by this section. Important factors that
could cause actual results for Rick's Cabaret to differ materially
from those indicated in this press release include the risks and
uncertainties as to the future operational and financial results
of our Web sites, conditions relevant to real estate transactions,
the future operational performance of our partners, the laws governing
the operation of adult entertainment businesses, competitive and
economic factors, dependence on key personnel and the ability to
manage operations. Rick's Cabaret has no obligation to update or
revise the forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence
of future events or circumstances. Please refer to the documents
Rick's Cabaret files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, in particular the most recent quarterly reports on Form
10-QSB and annual report on Form 10-KSB, which are available at
the company's website, www.ricks.com.
Contact for further information: Allan Priaulx, 212-338-0050, ir@ricks.com