Media Analyst Isentia Sold to Access Intelligence

Media intelligence and analysis firm Isentia has been sold to comms software firm Access Intelligence for $AUD 35.6m (£19.4m).

Isentia offers media monitoring, social media monitoring, and media analysis services across the Asia-Pacific region, from its headquarters in Sydney, Australia, and operations in New Zealand and South-East Asia. Previously known as Media Monitors, the business was acquired by Quadrant Private Equity in 2010 in a deal reported to be worth up to $AUD 160m.

As part of the deal, Access Intelligence will repay Isentia's senior debt and other indebtedness (estimated to be c.$AUD45m at the completion date). In order to fund the acquisition and repay the full amount of Isentia's debt, Access Intelligence has placed 39,847,658 ordinary shares and a subscription for 1,819,009 ordinary shares at 120 pence per new ordinary share to raise proceeds of £50m.

Commenting on the takeover, Access Intelligence CEO Joanna Arnold said: 'The acquisition is about investing in Isentia to combine our businesses to create the scale to give our clients a world-class global offering. We are working closely with the Isentia management on integration plans that continue to build on our strong cultural and strategic alignments. We look forward to combining businesses and serving the Asia-Pacific market'.

Web sites: www.isentia.com and www.accessintelligence.com .