8th May 2006 12:24
8 May, 2006 Daily Mail and General Trust plc (`DMGT') DMGT expands online activities with two acquisitions Associated Newspapers, the national newspaper division of DMGT, announces thatit has recently made two online acquisitions as part of its continuing strategyof making investments to increase its exposure to key areas of the onlineadvertising market, pertinent to Associated such as automotive, dating, jobsand property.Allegran has been acquired which operates a portfolio of dating web sites,catering for different segments within the UK market. In the year to 31 January2006, Allegran reported revenues of ‚£7.4 million, an increase of approximately160% on the previous year. Allegran's sites include three ranked in the topseven dating sites in the UK market during March 2006 by Internet monitoringfirm, Hitwise.Associated has also acquired 62.5% of Data Media and Retail (`DMR') and hasagreed a three-year earnout with its management to acquire the remaining 37.5%.DMR is the UK's leading privately-owned operator of car classified portals,including Carsource.co.uk, with a combined Hitwise ranking of 4th in March2006. It also provides online marketing services relating to data capture,profiling and email marketing. In the most recent financial year to 30November, 2005, DMR's revenues increased by over 40% to ‚£4.3 million.The combined headline valuation for these acquisitions was ‚£46.5 million, withinitial payments made of ‚£32.5 million.Both acquisitions are expected to be earnings enhancing before amortisation inDMGT's current financial year.Enquiries:Nicholas Jennings, Company Secretary, DMGT 020 7938 6625Andrew Hart (Associated re Allegran), 020 7927 8675Mike Stewart, (Associated re DMR), 0870 731 3604Andrew Honnor / Peter Hewer, Tulchan Communications, 020 7353 4200 Daily Mail and General Trust plc Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London, W8 5TT Tel 020 7938 6000 Fax 020 7938 4626 www.dmgt.co.uk Registered in England and Wales No. 184594ENDDAILY MAIL & GENERAL TRUST PLCRelated Shares:
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