Bob Vila Gets Homey With Sears

Sears, Roebuck and Co. and home improvement guru Bob Vila will launch an online venture for home improvement ideas, called BobVila.com. The Web site, initially majority-owned by Sears, is expected to debut in the third quarter.

     "This venture is a key element in our plans to deliver Internet-based solutions for the home that leverage great brands and assets of Sears and our partners," says Arthur C. Martinez, chairman and CEO of Sears.

     Martinez says the site will provide everything "from ideas to inspiration, to finding the right contractors, tools or materials to managing an entire project." Sears says the venture will seek strategic partners and alliances to round out content, technology and e-commerce offerings.

     Vila hosts the TV program "Bob Vila's Home Again," which airs nationally in syndication and on the Learning Channel.