Publicis Groupe to acquire Sapient in $3.7 billion all-cash transaction

Transformative acquisition establishes Publicis Groupe as the clear leader in the digital age

BestMediaInfo Bureau | Delhi | November 3, 2014

Publicis Groupe and Sapient today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Publicis Groupe will acquire Sapient in an all-cash transaction for $25.00 per share amounting to $3.7 billion of total transaction value. The agreement has been approved unanimously by the Management and Supervisory Boards of Publicis Groupe and the Board of Directors of Sapient.

The acquisition is aimed at achieving Publicis Groupe's objective to become the leader at the convergence of communication, marketing, commerce and technology. On acquisition, the new platform to be named Publicis.Sapient - the largest and most advanced - focused exclusively on digital transformation and the dynamics of an always-on world across marketing, omni-channel commerce, consulting and technology.

The acquisition will help Publicis Groupe digital revenues account for more than 50%, three years ahead of 2018 plan.

Publicis Groupe has strengthened leadership with Sapient CEO and Co-Chairman Alan J. Herrick joining Publicis Groupe senior management team (Directoire+) as CEO of Publicis.Sapient; Jerry A. Greenberg, Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of Sapient, joining Publicis Groupe Supervisory Board.

Maurice Lévy, Chairman and CEO of Publicis Groupe, said: “Sapient is a 'crown jewel,' a one of a kind company born in the technology space with strengths in marketing, communications, consulting and omni-channel commerce, all of which are equally important to best help clients achieve their digital transformation. It will also give Publicis Groupe access to new markets and creating new revenue streams. This acquisition fulfills many of Publicis Groupe's objectives: we will enhance our leadership position in digital, achieve our goal of deriving 50% of our revenues from digital and technology three years ahead of our 2018 plan, and leverage technology, consulting capabilities to expand in new verticals, and offering new and exciting opportunities to our talents.”

Alan J. Herrick, Sapient President, CEO and Co-Chairman, added: “This transaction provides substantial value to our shareholders, offers an ideal cultural match for our people and provides an opportunity to share a wealth of new capabilities with our clients. The Sapient team has been on a 24-year journey building a company with the objective of creating significant impact for our clients and the industries in which they operate. With Publicis Groupe, we have found a partner that accelerates the level of transformation we can drive into the marketplace.”

Info@BestMediaInfo.com 

Info@BestMediaInfo.com