New York-PR NEWSWIRE--Nov. 29th, 2004 - Cupid.com, Inc., a leading online dating company, today announced its acquisition of Pre-Dating Events , LLC, the world's largest speed dating company. Pre-Dating (www.Pre-Dating.com) holds local speed dating events for single professionals in nearly 70 metro markets.

"This is a landmark acquisition in the world of online dating," said Cupid.com President Eric P. Straus about the acquisition. "We're building a bridge between the online world and the off-line physical world to unite local singles more successfully than any other dating service."

"We searched for the perfect singles event. Pre-Dating speed dating is it!" commented Noelle Schmidt, Cupid.com's VP Operations. "We were very impressed with Pre-Dating's event format, vast network of local event coordinators and the caliber of their personnel."

"Although we have been approached in the past by potential suitors, what made this opportunity so exciting was Cupid.com's vision for the future of dating, unparalleled network of radio station partnerships, large database of online daters and understanding of the events business and how it differs from a pure online dating business. Basically, the marriage between our two companies makes perfect sense and ultimately, the users of Cupid.com will benefit with more options for meeting that special someone than other sites offer." said Vince Gelormine, Founder & CEO of Pre-Dating Events.

In addition to the speed dating event business, Cupid also acquired from Pre-Dating its Lock and Key Party business located at www.LockAndKeyEvents.com. It is the Ultimate Ice Breaker Party™ where 100 to 300 singles attend and the women get locks and men get keys. This interactive mixing concept facilitates dozens and dozens of introductions while participants try to unlock one another to win cash and prizes.

About Cupid.com, Inc
Cupid.com is a leading online dating site promoted exclusively through radio advertising in over 200 markets in the US and Canada. Cupid.com helps compatible local singles meet. Cupid.com, Inc is a subsidiary of RegionalHelpWanted.com, Inc

About Pre-Dating Speed Dating
Pre-Dating is a pioneer in facilitated event introduction concepts and offers speed dating and lock and key events.

The speed dating concept was originated in 1999. In the past several years a number of companies have sprung up to offer these events. Pre-Dating gives singles a chance to briefly meet and speak with each other before going on an actual date hence the catchphrase, "Before you date, Pre-Date!"

Pre-Dating events work as follows: Attendees register for a Pre-Dating event in their city at www.cupid.com. Since these events are targeted at single professionals, they are held in private areas within upscale venues. As people arrive, they are greeted by a host, and then mix and mingle with early attendees before the speed dating begins.

During the speed dating, attendees meet other local singles within their age range in a series of face-to-face six minute 'predates.' As they meet and talk, each individual notes the people they would like to meet again on a match sheet. Hosts collect the confidential sheets and notify attendees of their 'mutual matches' within 24 hours. A mutual match occurs when two people indicate an interest in each other.