ACXIOM COMPLETES SALE OF BACKGROUND SCREENING UNIT
For more information, contact:
Jonathan Portis
Acxiom Public Relations
(501) 252-0582
jonathan.portis@acxiom.com
GACXM
Strong Cash Position Enabling Share Repurchase Program/Debt Reduction
LITTLE ROCK, Ark., February 1, 2012 — Acxiom® Corporation (Nasdaq: ACXM), a recognized leader in marketing services and technology, announced today the closing of the sale of its background screening business, Acxiom Information Security Services (AISS), to Sterling Infosystems for approximately $74 million. The company had announced in December that it had entered an agreement to sell this unit.
“This move is in alignment with our strategy of tightening our focus and investment in our core Data and Marketing Services business,” said Acxiom CEO and President Scott Howe. “Sterling is one of the largest background screening companies in the world, and we are confident that our former clients will benefit from their commitment and complete focus on this type of service.”
In addition, given Acxiom’s strong balance sheet, the company has completed approximately 48 percent of its amended share repurchase program. To date, the company has repurchased approximately 4 million shares for $43 million. Also, during the fiscal year the company has prepaid $125 million of its term loan due March 15, 2015.
More information is available at Sterling Infosystems (www.sterlinginfosystems.com) or by calling
1.877.424.2457.
About Sterling Infosystems:
Sterling Infosystems, Inc. (www.sterlinginfosystems.com) founded in 1975, is the leading background screening company in the world with an international presence known for industry leading turn-around-time, customer service and expertise in customizing solutions for industry specific needs. Most recently, Sterling became the only global background screening company in 2011’s Inc 5000. Sterling offers a broad range of services, including student screening services, corporate due diligence and background investigation services, occupational health services, and employment-related business tax consulting in the United States and in 200 countries around the world. With a decade as one of the fastest growing background screening companies, their 9,000+ clients range from leading Fortune 500 firms to small and medium sized businesses.
About Acxiom
Acxiom is a recognized leader in marketing services and technology that enable marketers to successfully manage audiences, personalize consumer experiences and create profitable customer relationships. Our superior industry-focused, consultative approach combines consumer data and analytics, databases, data integration and consulting solutions for personalized, multichannel marketing strategies. Acxiom leverages over 40 years of experience in data management to deliver high-performance, highly secure, reliable information management services. Founded in 1969, Acxiom is headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA, and serves clients around the world from locations in the United States, Europe, Asia-Pacific and South America. For more information about Acxiom, visit Acxiom.com.
Acxiom is a registered trademark of Acxiom Corporation.