MUMBAI: Online marketplace operator eBay has agreed to buy out Pennsylvania-based GSI Commerce at $2.4 billion.

GSI runs websites, packs and ships products, and offers interactive marketing services to a variety of retailers. It has long-term contracts with 180 firms, including Radio Shack, Ace Hardware and American Eagle Outfitters. 
 
In addition to its local site, GSI also operates customer care centres in Florida and Georgia.

EBay, which runs its namesake site where users buy and sell items through auctions and fixed-price "Buy it Now" formats as well as payments service PayPal, hopes that the acquisition will bolster its ability to connect buyers and sellers around the world. It also could help it become more of a threat to Amazon.com. 
 
GSI employs hundreds locally and more than 800 seasonal workers in 2010 and 650 in 2009.