Publicis Groupe recently announced the completion of the acquisition of data-driven marketing company, Epsilon, from Alliance Data Systems Corporation (NYSE: ADS), at a net value of 3.95 billion dollars after tax step- up, implying an 8.2 times Adjusted EBITDA multiple.
Based on pro-forma 2018 numbers, the transaction is 12.5% accretive to headline EPS and 18.3% to Free Cash Flow, excluding any transaction-related synergies.
Arthur Sadoun, Chairman and CEO of Publicis Groupe, stated:“We are very pleased to have finalised the closing of the Epsilon acquisition in record time, at a very compelling price, creating immediate value for our shareholders. This acquisition completes our sets of assets harmoniously, with data capabilities that are second to none, and propels the Groupe as the global leader of personalized experiences at scale.
With the addition of Epsilon’s capabilities in data to our existing creative, media and technology firepower, we have all the necessary assets and talent to help our clients leapfrog their competition and grow profitably, in a data-led, digital-first world.
Our clients will benefit from a seamless, end-to-end service to solve all their marketing and transformation challenges across creative, media, data and technology.
Our focus in the next months will be to successfully execute the integration while implementing our model, the Power of One, with our clients.
Over the last few weeks, client feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, showing a huge amount of interest and demand that we will now be able to address. All of this gives us great confidence for the future.”
