Publicis Groupe announces its intention to acquire Soft Computing

Publicis Groupe announces its intention to acquire Soft Computing

This acquisition would make Publicis Groupe
the data marketing leader in France

Paris, December 20, 2018 - Publicis Groupe [Euronext Paris FR0000130577, CAC 40] announces that it is entering into exclusive negotiations with the founding shareholders of Soft Computing, a leading data marketing firm in France, with a view to the acquisition of a controlling block representing 82.99% of the share capital at a price of 25 euro per share (2018 coupon attached), i.e. at a premium of 66,66% to the closing price on December 19, 2018.

Created in 1984 by Eric Fischmeister and Gilles Venturi, Soft Computing is specialized in data and how it is applied to enhance marketing and transform the customer experience. With over 400 experts, this market leading company provides its services to the majority of large corporates in the retail, services and financial sectors.

This transaction would reinforce Publicis Groupe's data marketing expertise across the entire value chain in France, further consolidating its position as the preferred partner for its clients' transformation.

The proposed acquisition is subject to prior information and consultation with the bodies representing Soft Computing's staff, as well as to the usual conditions precedent. If the acquisition of this controlling stake is completed, Publicis Groupe will file a simplified public offering, on the same financial terms, which may be followed by a compulsory buyout if the attendant conditions are met.

About Publicis Groupe - The Power of One
Publicis Groupe [Euronext Paris FR0000130577, CAC 40] is a global leader in marketing, communication, and digital transformation, driven through the alchemy of creativity and technology. Publicis Groupe offers its clients seamless access to its tools and expertise through modular offering. Publicis Groupe is organized across four Solutions hubs: Publicis Communications (Publicis Worldwide, Saatchi & Saatchi, Leo Burnett, BBH, Marcel, Fallon, MSL, Prodigious), Publicis Media (Starcom, Zenith, Spark Foundry, Blue 449, Performics, Digitas), Publicis.Sapient (SapientRazorfish & Sapient Consulting) and Publicis Health. Present in over 100 countries, Publicis Groupe employs nearly 80,000 professionals.
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About Soft Computing
Soft Computing is a leading consulting and service provider of data sciences and digital technologies applied to marketing and customer experience.  It is listed on the NYSE Euronext exchange (FR0000075517 - "SFT"), employs over 400 experts, and reported revenue of 41 M€ for 2017 - 20% outside of France - with over 200 clients including most of the major retail, finance and services companies.
www.softcomputing.com

Press contact:
Catherine Helfenstein, Publicis Groupe France Communication Director
+ 33 6 18 64 01 28
catherine.helfenstein@publicis.fr