Become.com, one of the few remaining indie comparison search and shopping engines, has acquired Pangora GmbH, a German e-commerce technology firm. Financial terms were not disclosed, though the companies expect the transaction to close by the end of the month. Sunnyvale, Calif.-based Become.com has an office in London, but Pangora’s Karlsruhe offices will now serve as the base of all its European operations; Pangora’s management team, including GM Robin Schönbeck, will continue in their current roles.

Become.com says it will use Pangora’s technology to bolster its shopping platform in Europe, and Pangora will still be able to offer its e-commerce services to third-party e-tailers. Founded in 2004, Become.com emerged into a crowded field of comparison shopping sites. While rivals like Smarter.com and PriceGrabber.com found exits through acquisitions (by ValueClick and Experian, respectively), Become.com has stayed independent. It’s backed by over $37 million in funding from TPG Growth and other investors. Release.

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