14 December 2015 - Experian, the global information services company, is pleased to announce that it has completed the sale of its consumer insights businesses Hitwise and Simmons (which form part of Marketing Services) to Symphony Technology Group for a consideration of US$47m plus an earnout of up to US$5m.
Hitwise and Simmons provide consumer measurement and analytical services to marketers, media brands and advertising agencies. As part of its broader strategic review, Experian has concluded these businesses provide limited synergies with the Group’s core businesses. Hitwise and Simmons combined revenue for the year ended 31 March 2015 was US$74m.
Brian Cassin, Chief Executive Officer said:
“These disposals are in line with our strategy to focus our portfolio where we can create synergies and competitive advantage. We are pleased that Symphony Technology Group will continue to develop these businesses and thank the management team and employees for their support and wish them every success in the future.”
Contact
Experian
Nadia Ridout-Jamieson Director of Investor Relations +44 (0)20 3042 4215
James Russell Director of Corporate Communications
Finsbury
Rollo Head +44 (0)20 7251 3801
Jenny Davey
Wells Fargo Securities provided financial advice to Experian on this transaction.
About Experian
We are the leading global information services company, providing data and analytical tools to our clients around the world. We help businesses to manage credit risk, prevent fraud, target marketing offers and automate decision making. We also help people to check their credit report and credit score, and protect against identity theft. In 2015, we were named by Forbes magazine as one of the ‘World’s Most Innovative Companies’.
We employ approximately 17,000 people in 38 countries and our corporate headquarters are in Dublin, Ireland, with operational headquarters in Nottingham, UK; California, US; and São Paulo, Brazil.
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 March 31, 2015, was US$4.8 billion.
To find out more about our company, please visit http://www.experianplc.com or watch our documentary, ‘Inside Experian’.