It was announced yesterday that the Publicis Groupe, which recently bought the $3.7 billion Sapient network, had begun exclusive negotiations in view of purchasing Relaxnews, the Parisian press agency with global expertise in consulting, production and management of content for the digital transformation of media and firms. The acquisition will be made for approximately €15 million, which corresponds to a price of €9.58 per share. The Relaxnews agency, which was founded in 2000, and is a member of Fédération Française des Agences de Presse and of the International Press and Telecom Council, recently launched the world’s first platform combining data, content and services for brands and media, so it would mark another important win for Publicis.
The Publicis Groupe had begun exclusive negotiations in view of purchasing Relaxnews, the Parisian press agency
Relaxnews formed a global partnership with the larger press agency AFP (Agence France Presse) back in 2009, which has recently been renewed and extended. The AFP-Relaxnews newswire has already attracted over 200 clients worldwide such as Getty Images, Globo, Microsoft, Yahoo, and this partnership would have the possibility to be magnified in the new context. Relaxnews would align primarily with the Publicis Groupe's ZenithOptimedia network, whilst also working with various other divisions within the group. It would retain its current membership team under the leadership of brothers Jérôme and Pierre Doncieux who would report to ZenithOptimedia's global managing partner, Sébastien Danet.
Jérôme and Pierre Doncieux (left and right) with Sébastien Danet (middle)
Danet commented that “Bringing Relaxnews into the Publicis Groupe” would allow them to combine their leadership in digital with Relaxnews' “Unmatched expertise in today’s content revolution.” He believes that “The synergies between these two pillars will transform media platforms” for the benefit of the group's clients. The Doncieux brothers add that the partnership would be a “Wonderful recognition of the Relaxnews adventure.” They feel that by combining their “Expertise in the key areas of content and technology with the global clout of Publicis Groupe,” they will be able to “Provide media and brands with the leverage to accelerate their digital transformation.” They call the prospect of working with the Publicis Groupe and AFP to help French companies flourish throughout the world, an opportunity that “Would be a source of great pride” for them, both personally and professionally.
Relaxnews formed a global partnership with the press agency AFP (Agence France Presse) back in 2009, which has recently been renewed and extended
Maurice Levy, chief executive and chairman at the Publicis Groupe, said that “The advancements in online communications are calling for much richer content.” He believes that “The considerable investments made by Publicis Groupe in order to be the world leader in digital in the communications industry,” has led them to Relaxnews, whose client offerings he hopes the acquisition will help to “Dynamically complete.” He adds that “Jérôme and Pierre Doncieux are trailblazers who will assist Publicis Groupe’s clients to better adapt their content for the digital world.”
Maurice Levy
The intention of both parties is to reach a final agreement by the month of April 2015, to file a project of a planned simplified cash tender offer and to proceed with the compulsory buyout by June 30, 2015.
