2017-02-07

Ascential plc, the global business-to-business media company listed on the London Stock Exchange, today announced that it has agreed to acquire 100% of MediaLink, a U.S.-based advisory and business services firm.

A private company, MediaLink is a business that drives competitive advantage through advisory business services for a wide range of companies spanning early stage to established global entities across the media, marketing, advertising, entertainment and technology industries.

Says Duncan Painter, Chief Executive Officer of Ascential: "MediaLink is a leader in its industry, with a strong and very visible brand presence in the U.S. MediaLink is an excellent fit with our existing Ascential offering and I am confident we can help accelerate MediaLink's business into new markets by using our assets and infrastructure over the coming months and years. I see synergies between MediaLink and our portfolio of products to significantly help accelerate our existing businesses and create additional value for shareholders."

Founded in 2003 by Chairman and CEO Michael Kassan (pictured), MediaLink
employs 120+ employee in the U.S. The company will further strengthen
and accelerate Ascential's business strategy, which is to own scaled,
global, market-leading businesses and brands in marketplaces where it
offers trusted information and valuable connections to business
professionals.

Says Michael Kassan, Chairman and CEO of MediaLink: "This
is a transformational moment for MediaLink. Propelled by the global
footprint of Ascential and the combined resources and talent of our
organisations, we are going to write the greatest chapter in MediaLink
history. We look forward to collaborating to pursue growth and new
opportunities for both companies."

Kassan will continue as
Chairman and CEO of MediaLink, working closely with Painter to integrate
and accelerate the business, leveraging Ascential's assets and
infrastructure over the coming months and years.

MediaLink has
worked with Cannes Lions' customers since 2011. Neutrality is a key
focus of both businesses, and they will be run independently. MediaLink
will continue to build on its relationship with Cannes Lions and start
new ones with other Ascential products where appropriate.

The
transaction is expected to complete, subject to customary U.S.
regulatory clearance, within the next month and, upon completion
MediaLink will form part of Ascential's Information Services division.
Aryeh Bourkoff's LionTree Advisors acted as financial advisors to
MediaLink with LionTree Partner Ben Braun serving as principal advisor.

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