InfoUSA in $41.6m Guideline acquisition
Business and consumer database provider infoUSA has acquired Guideline Inc., a single-source provider of custom business and market research and analysis. The transaction value, including the assumption of debt, is $41.6 million.
Founded in 1969 as FIND/SVP Inc., New York-based Guideline services about 1,500 corporations in industries such as pharmaceuticals, financial services and consumer package goods. Guideline offers research methodologies that include on-demand secondary research and in-depth competitive and market intelligence, as well as integrated services that enable clients to make informed decisions to address their critical business needs. For 2006, Guideline reported $46 million in revenue.
Guideline's headquarters will remain in New York and operate independently as part of info USA. Marc Litvinoff, who has been with Guideline since 2004, willbecome the company's CEO.
"This transaction will significantly increase our presence in the marketing research sector," Vin Gupta, chairman/CEO of info USA, said in a statement. "The transaction fits well with our strategic plan to leverage our existing capabilities by offering Guideline's highly complementary research services to our existing market research business."
Under the terms of transaction, infoUSA will pay $1.35 per share of Guideline common stock in cash and an amount equal to the liquidation preference and accrued dividends for outstanding shares of Guideline preferred stock. The transaction, expected to close in the third quarter of 2007, is subject to customary closing conditions.
