STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Jan. 14, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- EQT Danmark and other shareholders have signed an agreement with U.K.-based Experian regarding the sell of 100% of the Nordic Info Group A/S for approximately DKK 1.1 billion on a cash and debt-free basis. Completion of the deal is subject to fulfilment of ordinary conditions precedent.
Nordic Info Group is a Danish-based credit and business information group consisting of RKI Kredit Information, Koebmandstandens OplysningsBureau and Norwegian CreditInform. These three market-leading businesses provide credit and business information on businesses and individuals in primarily Denmark and Norway. Over the past three years Nordic Info Group has grown revenues on an organic pro forma basis with 8% per year with 2002 revenues estimated at DKK 368 million with 350 employees.
Nordic Info Group was created by EQT during 1999 and 2000 through the acquisitions of RKI, Koebmandstanden and CreditInform and since then a number of important steps have been taken to further develop and strengthen the acquired businesses and their respective market positions. In addition to continuing the introduction of new products for each of the businesses, new shared products and services have been developed and introduced on a joint basis, such as a new CRM business system. Operational improvements have also been achieved through the creation of a joint IT platform, among other measures.
Kristen Bager, CEO of Nordic Info Group said: "Given the size and the position that Nordic Info Group has now achieved, the next logical step is to place the group businesses in an industrial setting where we can continue our successful growth and where our customers can benefit from an even broader product/service offering. Experian will be able to contribute to Nordic Info Group as a reputable international credit decisioning systems group. Our operations will be strengthened by Experian's platform and know-how, and Nordic Info Group will also complement Experian with its product offering, new product pipeline as well as our strong Nordic market presence. I very much welcome Experian as our new owner."
Bjoern Hoei Jensen, partner of EQT Partners, the exclusive adviser to the EQT funds, said: "The Nordic Info Group case is a great example of how EQT invests in well-positioned companies with underlying growth potential and further realizes such potential via proactive add-on acquisitions and organic development efforts with a top quality management team. In Experian we have found the perfect long-term partner for the businesses within Nordic Info Group. Both companies have a similar customer-centered ethos. Experian has a thorough understanding of the business and many of the key constituent elements of the Nordic Info Group's activities will benefit by the companies being part of the Experian organisation."
Contact:
Bjoern Hoei Jensen, Partner EQT Partners GmbH +49 170 792 62 10 Kristen Bager, CEO Nordic Info Group A/S + 45 40 51 12 60 Contact person for questions on EQT: Caroline Rosen, Partner, IR & Communication EQT Partners AB + 46 8 440 53 37 This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/01/14/20030114BIT00300/wkr0001.doc www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/01/14/20030114BIT00300/wkr0002.pdf