Paris, October 14, 2009 -- Publicis Groupe SA (Euronext Paris: FR0000130577) announced today the closing of its acquisition of Razorfish. The transaction was subject to customary closing conditions.
Publicis Groupe has acquired the Razorfish group from Microsoft in exchange of:- 6.5 million Publicis Groupe ordinary shares held as treasury shares. As agreed by the parties, the value of those shares was determined on the basis of the average closing price of Publicis Groupe ordinary shares over the twenty consecutive trading days ending eight business days prior to the closing date of the transaction.
- US$ 286.8 million in cash paid out of Publicis Groupe’s cash reserves.
This gives Microsoft a 3.29% stake in Publicis Groupe.
Razorfish (see attached fact sheet) will be a wholly- owned subsidiary of Publicis Groupe and will be organizationally part of VivaKi, the Publicis Groupe media and digital umbrella encompassing Starcom MediaVest Group, ZenithOptimedia, Denuo, Digitas and VivaKi Nerve Center.
David Kenny, Managing Partner of VivaKi and member of the Publicis Groupe Management Board, will be responsible for the successful integration of Razorfish and implementation of the Groupe’s growth and synergy programs.
The Publicis Groupe consolidated financial statements will include Razorfish’s operations as of October 13, 2009. Organic growth figures will exclude organic growth achieved by Razorfish until one calendar year after consolidation of the newly acquired entity (i.e., as of October 13, 2010). Based on results for the first eight months of 2009, the Groupe’s digital business, including Razorfish, would account for slightly over 25% of aggregate revenue.
Publicis Groupe has already attained the goal it set itself to reach 25% of its revenue in digital for the end of 2010, thus strongly consolidating the Groupe’s leadership in this key business area of the future.
About Publicis Groupe
Publicis Groupe [Euronext Paris: FR0000130577] is the world's fourth largest communications group. In addition, it is ranked as the world's second largest media agency, and is a global leader in digital and healthcare communications. With activities spanning 104 countries on five continents, the Groupe employs approximately 43,000 professionals. Publicis Groupe offers local and international clients a complete range of advertising services through three global advertising networks, Leo Burnett, Publicis, Saatchi & Saatchi, and two multi-hub networks, Fallon and 49%-owned Bartle Bogle Hegarty. Media consultancy and buying is offered through two worldwide networks, Starcom MediaVest Group and ZenithOptimedia; and interactive and digital marketing led by Digitas. Publicis Groupe recently launched VivaKi to leverage the combined scale of the autonomous operations of Digitas, Starcom MediaVest Group, Denuo and ZenithOptimedia to develop new services, tools, and next generation digital platforms. Publicis Groupe’s Specialized Agencies and Marketing Services offer healthcare communications, corporate and financial communications, sustainability communications, shopper marketing, public relations, CRM and direct marketing, event and sports marketing, and multicultural communications. Web site: www.publicisgroupe.com
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. See http://advertising.microsoft.com for more information.
About Razorfish
Razorfish is one of the largest interactive marketing and technology companies in the world. With a demonstrated commitment to innovation, Razorfish counsels its clients on how to leverage digital channels such as the Web, mobile devices, in-store technologies and other emerging media to engage people, build brand loyalty and provide excellent customer service. The company is increasingly advising marketers on Social Influence Marketing, its approach for employing social media and social influencers to achieve the marketing and business needs of an organization. Its award-winning client teams provide solutions through their strategic counsel, digital advertising and content creation, media buying, analytics, technology and user experience. Razorfish has offices in markets across the United States, and in Australia, China, France, Germany, Japan, Spain and the United Kingdom. Clients include Carnival Cruise Lines, MillerCoors, Levi Strauss & Co., McDonald's and Starwood Hotels. Visit www.razorfish.com for more information. Follow Razorfish on Twitter at @razorfish.
CONTACTS:
Publicis Groupe / VivaKi:
Peggy Nahmany, Corporate Communications: + 33 (0)1 44 43 72 83 peggy.nahmany@publicisgroupe.com
Cheri Carpenter, VivaKi Corporate Communications: + 1 312 446 9276
cheri.carpenter@vivaki.com
Martine Hue, Investor Relations: + 33 (0)1 44 43 65 00 martine.hue@publicisgroupe.com
Microsoft Advertising:
Tom Phillips: + 1 425 538 1231