LinkShare, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Internet leader Rakuten, today announced that in less than a year in the UK the company has signed 27 advertisers and registered 14,450 publishers in its UK network. LinkShare UK provides e-commerce companies with access to LinkShare’s international marketing network and technology tools, which include pay per action (PPA) affiliate, search and lead generation services.

“LinkShare was founded in 1996 and we have grown our business throughout the world through our ability to drive results and provide a truly global PPA digital media solution for marketers,” said Stephen R. Denton, President of LinkShare. “Our London office is delivering on our commitment to provide any company, whether it’s a multi-national or smaller, rapidly growing local business, the ability to do affiliate marketing, search marketing or lead generation.”

With operations in Japan, the US and Canada, LinkShare UK is signing customers at a time when demand for e-commerce is expected to grow dramatically in Europe. Currently, however, only about half of the top 100 UK retailers offer transaction capability on their Websites, according to research firm IMRG.

Initial reaction to LinkShare has been positive in the UK. Since opening an office in August 2006 LinkShare’s UK customer base has quickly grown and already includes agreements with prominent brands such as LEGO, Laura Ashley, Radisson and Figleaves.com.

“Marketers today want an e-commerce platform that goes beyond merely tracking cookies and click-throughs, to one that can provide the tools to grow and scale their efforts,” said Denton. “LinkShare, with the global leadership of Rakuten, provides just that.” The recently opened London office is a central part of Rakuten’s international expansion. Rakuten acquired LinkShare in September 2005, and the London office represents Rakuten’s first step into the European market.

“Looking ahead, UK e-commerce looks strong, especially in financial services and travel, making this an exciting market for LinkShare and Rakuten,” said John J-H Kim, Executive Vice President of International Business Headquarters at Rakuten. “We are also excited by the m-commerce opportunity presented by the UK mobile sector and believe that with our extensive experience, we are well positioned to support UK and European customers as this sector develops.”