FreeMarkets is fading from skyline, but Ariba will see its name in lights

DOWNTOWN - Pittsburgh's skyline will be a little dimmer because of the acquisition of FreeMarkets Inc. by California-based Ariba Inc.

But that's not because the firm is shutting down the office here. Instead. the sign that Ariba plans to install on top of the FreeMarkets Center building is less radiant than its predecessor, the FreeMarkets sign.

Ariba, which purchased FreeMarkets Inc. in January for $493 million, received approval from the city planning commission to install its sign, but it has not yet applied for a permit from the city to erect it.

Ariba spokeswoman Karen Kovatch said it may be spring before the California-based company puts its name in lights here.

"(Ariba is) still working through...