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12/20/2018, Paris
This acquisition would make Publicis Groupe the data marketing leader in France
Publicis Groupe [Euronext Paris FR0000130577, CAC 40] announces that it is entering into exclusive negotiations with the founding shareholders of Soft Computing, a leading data marketing firm in France, with a view to the acquisition of a controlling block representing 82.99% of the share capital at a price of 25 euro per share (2018 coupon attached), i.e. at a premium of 66,66% to the closing price on December 19, 2018.
Created in 1984 by Eric Fischmeister and Gilles Venturi, Soft Computing is specialized in data and how it is applied to enhance marketing and transform the customer experience. With over 400 experts, this market leading company provides its services to the majority of large corporates in the retail, services and financial sectors.
This transaction would reinforce Publicis Groupe’s data marketing expertise across the entire value chain in France, further consolidating its position as the preferred partner for its clients’ transformation.
The proposed acquisition is subject to prior information and consultation with the bodies representing Soft Computing’s staff, as well as to the usual conditions precedent. If the acquisition of this controlling stake is completed, Publicis Groupe will file a simplified public offering, on the same financial terms, which may be followed by a compulsory buyout if the attendant conditions are met.
Publicis Groupe [Euronext Paris FR0000130577, CAC 40] is a global leader in communication. The Groupe is positioned at every step of the value chain, from consulting to execution, combining marketing transformation and digital business transformation. Publicis Groupe is a privileged partner in its clients’ transformation to enhance personalization at scale. The Groupe relies on ten expertise concentrated within four main activities: Communication, Media, Data and Technology. Through a unified and fluid organization, its clients have a facilitated access to all its expertise in every market. Present in over 100 countries, Publicis Groupe employs around 103,000 professionals.
Soft Computing est leader du conseil en sciences et en technologies de la data et du digital appliquées au marketing et à l’expérience client. Cotée sur Nyse Euronext (ISIN : FR0000075517, Symbole : SFT), elle emploie plus de 400 experts, réalise en 2017 41 M€ de CA, pour 20% à l’international, avec 200 clients, dont la plupart des grandes entreprises du retail, de la finance et des services.
www.softcomputing.com
Jean-Michel Bonamy
Deputy CFO
Amy Hadfield
DIRECTOR OF GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS PUBLICIS GROUPE