Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

Database marketing specialists DLG acquires competitor Wegener DM UK from its parent Koninklijke Wegener NV, to become the single largest lifestyle data provider in the UK.

DLG, already one of the UK’s leading database solutions providers, has acquired Wegener DM UK from its Dutch parent Koninklijke Wegener NV, to become the largest UK lifestyle data company in terms of quantity of household records, data volume traded and lifestyle related turnover.

Wegener, formerly Dudley Jenkins Group, has been broking data for over 32 years, and providing detailed lifestyle data and customer insight for over 10. It was bought by Koninklijke Wegener NV in 2002, for a reported £80 million, before being fully rebranded as Wegener DM UK.

With the newly forged union, DLG intends to develop not only its market leading data services, but more importantly push onwards with its cutting edge interactive data collection strategies, and actively drive its clients’ electronic media programmes.

Jeremy Whitaker, Chief Executive Officer of DLG comments:

”I am thrilled to welcome Wegener DM into the DLG fold, “he says, “Wegener and DLG are without question two of the most highly respected consumer data companies in the UK.
The combined experience and resource now available for delivering ongoing actionable data solutions on behalf of our clients’ retention and acquisition programmes, whether through telemarketing, mailing or online makes us second to none.”

He adds:

“Optimising the depth and breadth of factual data, and capitalising on the untapped opportunities of online marketing is where our future lies. DLG is now perfectly placed to energetically fulfill its stated mission to become the market leader in the provision of targeted data for direct marketing.”

With the amalgamation of DLG’s pioneering telephone survey and interactive network of web-collection channels, and Wegener’s comprehensive mailed survey programme, DLG now provides the largest and only multi-channel data collection and delivery service available to the UK DM market.

DLG’s purchase follows the recent successful £24m MBO in early 2006, led by Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Whitaker and backed by private equity firm Promethean Investments LLP. The shareholders of DLG are seeking to float the company in 2007 after integrating this latest acquisition. City interest in this sector has been exacerbated by the rapid growth and recent flotation of Experian, and the huge influence of online data gathering and delivery.


NOTES TO EDITORS:

About DLG

DLG is a leading provider of data-driven marketing solutions. It helps organisations source, grow and retain profitable customer relationships through the provision of information and predictive enterprise solutions. DLG works with more than 1,000 clients across diverse industries, including financial services, telecommunications, automotive, insurance, retail, manufacturing, leisure, utilities and ecommerce. DLG pioneered consumer lifestyle data collection via the telephone in 1999 and posts annual sales of £17 million. Annual profits growth is over 25%.

For more info, visit the company's website on www.dlg.co.uk

About Wegener

Wegener DM is one of the leading providers of consumer data, intelligence and database management in Europe. Formerly part of the Dutch media group, Royal Wegener NV, Wegener DM focuses on creating and using data to enable companies to find, manage and reach customers across Europe in the most profitable way. UK Clients include Abbey, AXA, P&G, Citibank, First Direct and TUI UK. Wegener DM manages P&G’s database of over 100 million consumers across eight countries in Western Europe.

About Promethean Investments

Promethean targets UK companies capitalised at between £20 million and £200 million where it has identified an opportunity to unlock value. Founded by Sir Peter Burt, former chief executive officer of Bank of Scotland and current chairman of ITV, and four former Dresdner Kleinwort Capital private equity specialists, Promethean launched on AIM on June 30th 2005, raising £50 million for its Promethean Investments Fund LP.

For further info please contact:

DANIEL BATCHELOR, Account Director, Limelight Public Relations, Tel: 020 7821 9210, Fax: 020 7821 1010, daniel@limelightpr.co.uk, www.limelightpr.co.uk