26 October 2012 - Experian, the global information services company, announces that it has completed the sale of its price comparison shopping business (PriceGrabber) and its North America online lead generation activities (LowerMyBills and ClassesUSA) to the management team of those businesses.
The gross consideration is US$80m, consisting of US$2m cash at closing and a US$78m loan note. In addition further consideration is available to Experian if defined profit targets are achieved over time and in certain other circumstances, up to a fully inclusive total of US$110m. In respect of the transaction, Experian expects to realise cash tax relief of approximately US$120m over the next two years.
Don Robert, Chief Executive of Experian said:
“Over the past four years, we have focused our strategy on extending our global lead in credit information and analytics, digital marketing services and consumer services. As part of that process, we designated PriceGrabber and the lead generation activities as non-core operations, believing that they would be best developed by an independent owner. We thank all our friends and colleagues at these businesses for their support over the years and wish them every future success.”
For the year ended 31 March 2012, revenues for the businesses sold were US$283m and EBIT was US$20m.
| Experian | ||
| Nadia Ridout-Jamieson | Director of Investor Relations | +44 (0)20 3042 4215 |
| James Russell | Communications Director, UK&I and EMEA | |
| RLM Finsbury | ||
| Rollo Head | +44 (0)20 7251 3801 | |
| Don Hunter | ||
Experian is the leading global information services company, providing data and analytical tools to clients around the world. The Group helps businesses to manage credit risk, prevent fraud, target marketing offers and automate decision making. Experian also helps individuals to check their credit report and credit score, and protect against identity theft.
Experian plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN) and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 index. Total revenue for the year ended 31 March 2012 was US$4.5 billion. Experian employs approximately 17,000 people in 44 countries and has its corporate headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, with operational headquarters in Nottingham, UK; California, US; and São Paulo, Brazil.
For more information, visit www.experianplc.com