Alliances

San Diego-based Mitchell International, signed a definitive agreement to purchase Redwood Shores, Calif.-based Ensera Inc., a Web-based solutions provider to the automotive collision repair industry. At press time, the transaction was expected to close by mid-September. Ensera develops and provides technology solutions to automate communications and workflow throughout the automotive claims process-linking carriers, collision repairers, independent appraisers and industry suppliers.InsWeb Corp. has aligned with Atlanta-based AutoTrader.com, an Internet auto classified advertising vehicle and marketplace, in a venture that will prominently display InsWeb's auto insurance shopping service on AutoTrader.com's Insurance Channel. Consumers searching for a new or used vehicle on AutoTrader.com can request real-time automobile insurance quotes from Gold River, Calif.-based InsWeb to compare rates from one of InsWeb's 23 carriers affiliates. Once shoppers select a vehicle, they click on an InsWeb link that directs them to an application to receive instant online quotes. AutoTrader.com receives more than 5 million unique monthly visitors.