Ask Jeeves to Acquire Net Effect Systems

Ask Jeeves Inc. agreed to buy North Hollywood-based Net Effect Systems Inc. for $288.1 million in stock, adding a live-help Web-searching service. Ask Jeeves will exchange 1.83 million shares for Net Effect, a closely held company. Investors in Net Effect, which employs 50 people, will own 5.5% of Emeryville, Calif.-based Ask Jeeves upon completion of the transaction. Ask Jeeves shares rose $10.75 to close at $167.75 on Nasdaq.