Bestofmedia Group, the French tech publisher that acquired tech sites Tom’s Hardware and related sites last year, has taken its first outside funding in its 8-year history: It has raised €22.5 million (£17.8 million) from Index Ventures. The company claims to be the third biggest online tech publication in terms of traffic, ranking behind CNET (NSDQ: CNET) and IDG. In addition to the Tom’s family of sites, it operates properties like Buycentral.com (comparison pricing) and Jeuvideopc.com (games search). The company was founded in 2000 by Alfred Véricel and Eric Florand; Véricel serves as CEO. Basically, the company says the plan is to grow and remain independent. It’s probably safe to expect more acquisitions with this cash, as that has already been a key component of the company’s growth strategy so far. Bestofmedia is not revealing any other financial metrics, like revenue, nor did it announce the valuation. However, last November Lycos Europe sold its eight percent stake in the company for $2.5 million, so at that ratio the company was only valued at $31.25 million, suggesting that this is a major effort to juice both growth and size.

• Lycos Europe Sells Its Stake In Tom’s Hardware Publisher Best Of Media For $2.5 Million
• IT Info Network Tom’s Hardware Guide Merges/Sold-Off To French Company BestOfMedia
• IT Professionals Network Tom’s Hardware Guide Sold