NETBOOSTER to acquire German Group METAPEOPLE

NETBOOSTER to acquire German Group METAPEOPLE and significantly strengthen its operations in the second largest European market.

NetBooster (FR0000079683 – ALNBT), the leading independent digital communication agency in Europe, today announces the acquisition of Metapeople, one of the most dynamic agencies in Germany. NetBooster will thus strengthen its position in this country and become the independent group with the most extensive European network in its sector.

A major strategic acquisition for NetBooster Group

Established in 1999, Metapeople has become one of the most competitive digital communication companies in Germany and Switzerland, recognised as one of the best agencies in its market for search, display, affiliation and social marketing. This company currently boasts many benchmark customers, such as T-Mobile, Lufthansa, Oracle, lastminute.com and C&A, owing to its multi-channel approach, its innovative proprietary technology and the expertise of almost 80 staff members working in 25 languages. Metapeople achieved a gross profit of € 5.7 million in 2010, with very strong profit margins, and forecasts significant growth for 2011-2013.

As a result of the acquisition, NetBooster will hold 100% of Metapeople’s share capital. The acquisition will include an initial instalment in cash and NetBooster shares, followed by earn-out instalments, subject to performance conditions, during the 2011, 2012 and 2013 financial years.

This transaction will significantly increase the size of NetBooster and expand its geographic network and customer portfolio. It is also intended to accelerate the Group’s business development and grow both its revenues and earnings.

One step ahead in digital marketing for the benefit of customers

The merger between the two companies will allow NetBooster Group to market a comprehensive and unique offering to its customers in the German market. It will also enable Metapeople’s customers to benefit from NetBooster’s network, expertise and technologies, and vice and versa.

The combined personnel of nearly 530 employees worldwide will work in full synergy, within a culture of customer performance and ROI.

The consolidated expertise will focus on the digital marketing of the future, in particular on Ad Exchange and Facebook, with state-of-the-art expert profiles in this segment.

This merger will also give a boost to research and development work carried out to offer unique and ever more innovative technologies to the Group’s customers.

“The acquisition of Metapeople in Germany is perfectly consistent with our wish to become a key player in every European country through strong local operations. It concludes a first cycle of acquisitions, which was necessary to establish our position. It also goes hand in hand with our wish to be the agency of the future and remain one step ahead to offer the best resources and technologies to our clients. We thus have the same firepower as very large agencies due to our international network, combined with the agility and real-time decision-making ability of smaller firms”, stated Raphael Zier, CEO of NetBooster Group.

“Netbooster’s backing will provide us with access to the power of a leading digital communication group. Therefore, we will provide our customers with an international network, as well as technologies and a unique expertise. Aside from this, I am very pleased to see Metapeople become a strategic platform for NetBooster in one of the largest European markets”, added Tim Ringel, founder of Metapeople.

NetBooster Group was advised by Autika, specialist M&A advisors.

About NetBooster Group

Founded in 1998, NetBooster is an independent group of specialist digital marketing agencies, working together to deliver innovative services to 24 countries across the globe. NetBooster is a pioneer of the digital marketing industry, developing and evolving its range of online services including; Search Engine Optimisation, Pay-Per-Click Advertising, Display Advertising, Affiliate Marketing, Website Development, Analytics Consultancy, Social Media Marketing and specialist Facebook Marketing Services.

NetBooster, with its head office located in Paris, also has offices in Spain, Italy, Germany, Finland, China, the Philippines and Brazil. NetBooster also holds a majority share in Guava Group A/S, extending its reach to Denmark, Sweden and the United Kingdom. NetBooster is a recognised leader in the international arena and sales exceeding €31 million for the 2009 fiscal year, the Group is highly committed to growth and innovation. NetBooster’s success is re-affirmed by the financial results for 2010, showing that sales have increased by 45% to €45.1 million and gross profit has increased by 52% to €22.8 million.

Managed by Raphael Zier, it carries the OSEO-ANVAR seal of approval as an “Innovative Business” and thus its shares are eligible for FCPIs (French Mutual funds). Shares in NETBOOSTER trade on the Alternext Paris market of NYSE Euronext.

Shares in NetBooster trade on the Alternext market of NYSE Euronext Paris

ISIN code: FR0000079683 - Ticker: ALNBT
For further information, please visit our website: www.netbooster.com

Press contact

Pepper Menthe Communication
Samira CHAKKAF ANDALOUCI
samira@peppermenthe.com
Tel: +33 (0)7.86.11.14.52

Financial communication

Actus Finance
Jérôme FABREGUETTES-LEIB, IR
jfl@actus.fr

Nicolas BOUCHEZ, PR
nbouchez@actus.fr
Tel: +33 (0)1.77.35.04.37