Experian acquires Virid Interatividade Digital, a permission-based email marketing company

July 26, 2011 — Fusion DigiNet

Information services company Experian has acquired Virid Interatividade Digital Ltda, a permission-based email marketing company in Brazil.

For the year ending 31 December 2010, revenue for Virid was R$9m (c.US$5m). Gross assets as at 31 December 2010 wereR$2m (c.US$1m).  Virid was acquired from its founding shareholder and management. The acquisition has been funded from Experian’s existing cash resources.

Founded in 1996, Virid is Brazil’s largest email marketing service provider, offering email delivery, email based behavioural segmentation, real-time campaign reporting, mobile delivery and social media integration. The company has over 800 direct and 3,000 indirect clients including retailers, advertising agencies and news organisations.

The acquisition is a further step in Experian’s strategy to expand its targeted digital marketing activities globally. It extends the geographic reach of Experian’s email marketing business into the key market of Brazil, where Virid will become part of Experian’s Marketing Services business in Latin America.

“This acquisition underlines Experian’s commitment to providing domestic and international brands in Brazil with innovative digital marketing services. Following the successful launch of Experian Hitwise, our digital marketing intelligence service, the addition of Virid to our portfolio offers organisations the very best in email marketing to help them achieve a high return on investment from their marketing spend,” said Juliano Marcilio, president of Experian Marketing Services, Latin America.

“As the largest global technology services provider focusing on the integration of email, social media, mobile and display marketing, we’re excited to expand our capabilities and service philosophy to the Brazilian market, and to our international clients who have customers in Brazil,” said Matt Seeley, group president, Experian Marketing Services North America. “Email marketing has the highest ROI of any other digital marketing channel and acquiring Virid ensures this trend will continue in Latin America.”

USA, New York, NY & Brazil, São Paulo

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Half Year M&A Trends Report for the Financial Technology and Information Industry

July 19, 2011 — Fusion DigiNet

Berkery Noyes has released its Half Year Mergers and Acquisitions Trends Report for the Financial Technology and Information Industry.

The report analyses merger and acquisition activity in the Financial Technology and Information market over the first half of 2011 and compares it with activity in the four previous sixth-month periods. This market includes information and technology companies in capital markets, payments, banking, insurance and other related professional financial services.

Berkery Noyes data shows that while total transaction volume for the period remained largely unchanged, transaction value nearly tripled, jumping from $7.0 billion in 2nd Half 2010 to $19.5 billion this period. The 187 percent increase can be attributed primarily to Deutsche Borse Group’s announced merger with NYSE Euronext for $12.4 billion.

Fiserv, Inc., a leading provider of financial technology solutions, was the most active acquirer in 1st Half 2011, with four purchases: CashEdge, Inc., Credit Union On-Line, Inc., Mobile Commerce Ltd, and Maverick Network Solutions.

For the full two-and-a-half period covered by the report, Morningstar, Inc., was the sector’s most active acquirer. The investment research and financial news provider made nine acquisitions.

A copy of the First Half 2011 Financial Technology and Information Industry M&A Report is available here.

USA, New York

 

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Publicis Groupe acquires a majority stake in DPZ

July 19, 2011 — Fusion DigiNet

Publicis Groupe has acquired a majority stake in DPZ, one of Brazil’sleading advertising agencies. According to the terms of the agreement, Publicis Groupe immediately acquires 70% of the new agency, and has the possibility of increasing its participation to 100% over the next two or three years. DPZ will retain its name and will operate within Publicis Groupe on a stand-alone basis.  The agency remains under the leadership of its three foundersRoberto Duailibi, Francesc Petit and José Zaragoza, and the management of current CEO Flavio Conti.

Founded in 1968, DPZ is one of the largest independent advertising agencies in Brazil with approximately 230 employees. The agency is headquartered in São Paulo, with offices in Rio, Brasilia and Vitoria. DPZ’s key clients include prominent international and local brands such as Azul Linhas aéreas (airline), Bombril (cleaning products), Campari, Coca-Cola, Itaú (banking), Sadia (food and beverage), Vivo (telecommunications). The agency has seen double-digit organic growth over the past three years, and DPZ’s 2011 revenue is expected to reach €40 M, with margins above those of Publicis Groupe’s average.

DPZ has received a long list of industry accolades, making it one of the most-awarded agencies in Brazil. Known for its innovative and irreverent style, the agency won its first Cannes Lion in 1972, and Brazil’s first gold Cannes Lion in 1975.  DPZ has also been repeatedly recognized at the Brazilian “Colunistas” award, the most important award within the Brazilian ad industry, as well as the “Cabore” awards (another very important national award). The agency’s well-established reputation illustrates its strong and lively creativity.

The history of DPZ is intertwined with the history of Brazilian advertising. DPZ has not only become an icon for the advertising industry in Brazil, but also a reference in Brazilian advertising for the rest of the world. During its 43 years of history, DPZ has participated in creating prestigious brands and some of the most memorable campaigns and characters of Brazilian advertising. DPZ has also served as a university for Brazil’s marketing community, as many of the country’s leading ad men and women initially trained at DPZ.

The acquisition of DPZ illustrates Publicis Groupe’s strategic commitment to expanding its operations in the dynamic Brazilian market and across Latin America. Today’s announcement is the fourth transaction for Publicis Groupe this year in Brazil, following the acquisitions of Tailor Made and GP7, as well as the increased participation (60%) in Talent Group.

According to the most recent ZenithOptimedia forecasts (April 2011), Brazil will have a 9.5% increase over the course of 2011, followed by 7.0% and 7.2% growth in 2012 and 2013 respectively. Brazil is growing fast and is expected to become the sixth ad market in the world in 2011. Brazil is already Publicis Groupe’s sixth largest market with nearly 1,500 permanent employees throughout the country.

Maurice Lévy, Chairman & CEO of Publicis Groupe declared, “Our strategy is to strengthen our two pillars of growth: digital and fast-growing markets. Brazilalong with China are of utmost importance to Publicis Groupe. This acquisition is a key step of our expansion into this promising market. DPZ‘s exceptional creativity and iconic status put Publicis Groupe in a stronger position to provide the very best to our clients and to attract talent and grow organically. We are proud that DPZ – after a thorough process –chose to join Publicis Groupe, and we are pleased to welcome the agency‘s management and teams on board.  We are committed to Brazil not only because of the exceptional growth of this important market, but also because it is a formidable reservoir of talent and a country of entrepreneurs with great brands and ambitious companies.“

The founders of DPZ, José Zaragoza, Francesc Petit and Roberto Duailibi added, “We are very happy about joining Publicis Groupe and adding to its global reach and considerable resources. DPZ sees this association as a wonderful opportunity for both our teams and our clients, especially given the powerful resonance of the Publicis Groupe brand all over the world.”

France Paris & Brazil, São Paulo

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Berkery Noyes releases its Half Year M&A Trends Report for the Online & Mobile Industry

July 18, 2011 — Fusion DigiNet
Berkery Noyes has released its Half Year Mergers and Acquisitions Trends Report for the Online & Mobile Industry.

The report analyses merger and acquisition activity in the segment across 1st Half 2011 and compares it with activity for the four previous sixth-month periods from 2009-2010.

According to Berkery Noyes research, the Online & Mobile Industry’s robust growth over the past two and a half years continued across the last six months. Total volume in 1st Half 2011 increased by 23 percent over the previous six-month period, from 643 transactions to 788. Total transaction value increased even more significantly, climbing from $28.5 billion in 2nd Half 2010 to$43.3 billion in 1st Half 2011, a 52 percent jump.

Price multiples rose in step with this increasing activity, with 1st Half 2011 Online & Mobile transactions commanding a median EBITDA multiple of 15.3 and a revenue multiple of 2.1. Both of these numbers represent 30-month highs for the segment.

Google, Inc. remained acquisitive in the sector, purchasing 11 companies over the first half of the year, bringing its two-and-a-half year total to 39. The firm’s most recent purchases represented a wide range of companies and technologies in the Online & Mobile sector, including social network analytics, search engines, and messaging services.

The largest transaction during 1st Half 2011 was Microsoft Corporation’s announced acquisition of Skype Technologies SA from an investor group led by Silver Lake Partners for $9.08 billion.

A copy of the First Half 2011 Online & Mobile Services Industry M&A Report is available at the Berkery Noyes website.

USA, New York

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Informa acquires Brasil Trade Shows Partners Participacoes S.A. & Ibratexpo Feiras e Eventos Ltda

June 14, 2011 — Fusion DigiNet

Informa plc has acquired Brasil Trade Shows Partners Participacoes S.A. (BTS). BTS is a leading organiser of trade shows in the Food & Beverage Services, Furniture Manufacturing and Franchising sectors, with leading brands including Fispal, ABF and ForMobile.  BTS has been acquired from DLJ South American Partners LP.

In addition, Informa has acquired Ibratexpo Feiras e Eventos Ltda which includes Serigrafia, the largest sign, screen and digital imaging show in South America from the Alatzatianou family.

The combined maximum cash consideration payable is BRL 210m (£81m).  Informa expects these acquisitions to be earnings enhancing in 2011 and to enhance the Group’s return on capital in 2012.

These acquisitions will further strengthen Informa’s global exhibition operations.  Serigrafia enhances Informa’s leading position in the print sector alongside IPEX, one of the world’s largest print related exhibitions.  BTS provides a platform for growth in South America and strengthens Informa’s experience in the strategically important food sector.  Furthermore, the strength of its brands will provide Informa with attractive geo-cloning opportunities.

Commenting on the acquisitions Peter Rigby, Chief Executive, of Informa said, “These acquisitions are consistent with two of our strategic goals; growing our trade show business and expanding our presence in emerging markets.  BTS is an exceptionally well-managed trade show organiser with an enviable reputation in one of the world’s most dynamic and fast growing regions.  Serigrafia provides the perfect platform on which to expand our print portfolio in the emerging markets.  We are delighted that the senior management team of BTS and the founders of Serigrafia are joining the Group on acquisition.”

UK, London & Brazil

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Batanga is acquiring two Latin American online media companies, Adfunky and I-Network

June 8, 2011 — Fusion DigiNet

Batanga is acquiring two Latin American online media companies, Adfunky and I-Network. The new acquisitions will exponentially increase the company’s audience and publishing partners in the US, Mexico and Latin America as well as provide its existing sales organization with value-added product offerings for marketers looking to reach Hispanic consumers online. Headquartered in Miami, regional offices are located in Mexico City, Bogota and Buenos Aires as well as sales offices in nineteen cities throughout the globe. GroupArgent represented Adfunky and I-Network in the transaction and acted as their exclusive financial advisors.

Batanga, Inc. is now the largest independent digital media company serving U.S. Hispanic and Latin American markets. By leveraging investments in technology, product and content, Batanga, Inc. creates significant value for its advertisers and publishers in both markets. These acquisitions represent a major commitment by Batanga, Inc. to the Hispanic online market.

“For almost twelve years, Batanga has consistently delivered the U.S. Hispanic online audience to hundreds of advertisers. These acquisitions will allow us to grow our U.S. Hispanic business as well as deliver audiences in some of the fastest growing emerging online markets in the world,” said Rafael Urbina, Chairman and CEO, Batanga, Inc. “Our commitment to the U.S. Hispanic online market has never been stronger and we are now poised to offer the same quality products throughout Mexicoand Latin America.”

Based in Argentina, Adfunky is a fast growing ad network and digital media company founded by Internet veterans to boost the results of advertisers, agencies and publishers. “Uniting Adfunky’s audience and expertise, both in the U.S. and abroad, with Batanga’s sophisticated products will create impactful opportunities for advertisers,” said Mariano Burstein, Co-Founder, Adfunky. “We are thrilled to be part of such an innovative team,” echoed Matias Charas, Co-Founder, Adfunky. “Collectively, we have much more insight and understand Hispanics online better than anyone else.”

I-Network, a Bogota-based online marketing company, is a clear leader in the markets it operates in. “We are eager to join forces with Batanga and work alongside U.S. marketers looking to reach a Latin American audience,” said Juan Carlos Samper, CEO, I-Network. “As the marketplace continues to evolve, Batanga is ready to deliver the Latin consumer in the U.S. and abroad.”

USA, Miami, FL & Colombia, Bogata & Argentina

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Possible Worldwide Acquires Brazilian Digital Agency Grïngo

June 3, 2011 — Fusion DigiNet

Possible Worldwide, a WPP Digital company, has acquired a majority stake in Brazilian digital agency Gringo. The deal expands Possible Worldwide’s global footprint, augmenting its strategic position in emerging markets such as China and India with the ability to execute large scale interactive initiatives in the fast-growing Brazilian market.

The 65-person Grïngo serves as digital agency in Brazil for clients including Coca-Cola, Absolut Vodka, Microsoft and Itaú Unibanco (Brazil’s largest bank). The agency boasts one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most award-winning track records over the past three years, having garnered 24 FWA awards, 15 Wave Awards, 3 Cannes Lions awards and a Silver Pencil award from The One Show. Founders Andre Matarazzo and Fernanda Jesus will join Possible Worldwide as Chief Creative Officer, São Paulo, and President, São Paulo, respectively.

“Grïngo is on a quest to change brands’ communication strategies into interaction strategies, allowing them to form deeper, more meaningful relationships with consumers,” said Matarazzo, founder and chief creative officer at Grïngo. “This vision meshes perfectly with Possible Worldwide’s strategic approach and its strength in creating user-centric experiences that drive customer interaction. We look forward to becoming part of the WPP family.”

In addition to the sharing of a similar strategic vision, the Grïngo acquisition reflects the Possible Worldwide emphasis on having strong, native understanding of the international markets it services.

“The Grïngo team has produced an exceptional body of groundbreaking digital work for its Fortune 1000 clients, and we are pleased to add their expertise and insight to Possible Worldwide,” said Trevor Kaufman, global CEO of Possible Worldwide. “With this acquisition we gain unparalleled local knowledge of the fast-growing Brazilian market and the ability to develop and execute client initiatives that will best connect with the country’s nearly two hundred million consumers.”

USA, New York, NY & Brazil, San Paulo


 

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WPP Acquires a Majority Stake in F.biz, the Largest Independent Digital Agency in Brazil

June 3, 2011 — Fusion DigiNet

WPP has acquired 70% of F.biz Ltda., the largest independent digital advertising agency in Brazil.

The São Paulo based agency was founded in 1999 and has enjoyed annual growth rate of nearly 50% since then. The agency employs 200 people and services clients such as Unilever, Campari, Itaú, Vivo and NetShoes.

F.biz’ managing partners, Barradas, Marcelo Castelo, Marcello Hummel, Paulo Loeb, Pedro Reiss and Roberto Grosman, will remain in their current positions.

This acquisition of the leading independent digital agency in the dynamic Brazilian market is central to WPP’s overall strategy of expanding its capabilities in the digital, direct and interactive disciplines and strengthening its presence in faster growing markets. Collectively, including associates, the Group employs over 4,500 people in Brazil, WPP’s eighth largest market, generating revenues of over R$1.1 billion.

USA, Washington DC & Brazil, São Paulo

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Survey of Private Equity fund managers indicates improved optimism – Rothstein Kass’s Private Equity in 2011 report

May 30, 2011 — Fusion DigiNet

Global professional services firm Rothstein Kass, has published “Private Equity in 2011,” a sector trends report that features the findings of an Internet survey of 207 private equity fund managers. Conducted in January 2011, the survey covered issues ranging from fundraising intent to regulatory concerns.  Sixty-five percent of managers participating worked at funds with assets under management (AUM) below $500 million, with 35 percent indicating AUM in excess of $500 million.

Among notable findings, nearly 80 percent of respondents indicated that there will be more attractive investment opportunities in 2011 than in 2010. Meanwhile, 67 percent suggested that there will be increased IPO activity by private equity portfolio companies this year. While a more stable economy and thawing capital markets are contributing to a general sense of optimism, managers polled also acknowledged challenges ahead. Roughly 45 percent of respondents indicated that the credit crisis would continue into 2012 or beyond. Nearly 86 percent agreed that provisions of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act will increase compliance costs for private equity funds.

Read the report here

USA, Roseland NJ

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Internet Advertising Revenues Hit $7.3 Billion in Q1 ’11 Highest First-Quarter Revenue Level on Record According to IAB and PwC

May 30, 2011 — Fusion DigiNet

Internet advertising revenues in the U.S. hit $7.3 billion for the first quarter of 2011, representing a 23 percent increase over the same period in 2010, according to figures released today by the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). This marks the highest first-quarter revenue level ever for the industry and a significant increase over last year’s first-quarter revenue level, which had been the highest on record to date.

“The consistent and considerable year-over-year growth we’re seeing demonstrates that digital media is an increasingly popular destination for ad dollars, and for good reason,” said Randall Rothenberg, President and CEO of the IAB. “As Americans spend more time online for information and entertainment purposes, digital advertising and marketing has emerged as one of the most effective tools businesses have to attract and retain customers.”

“The year-on-year 23 percent increase in first quarter revenues is not just impressive in its own right, but especially so when you take into account the fact that 2010 was a record-breaking year itself for Internet advertising revenue,” said David Silverman, a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. “These numbers indicate that the interactive advertising field hasn’t simply bounced back since the recession; it’s growing with dynamic energy.”

The full report is issued twice yearly for full and half-year data, and top-line quarterly estimates are issued for the first and third quarters. Past reports are available at www.iab.net/AdRevenueReport.

USA, New York, NY

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