Agreement to dispose of Genscape

26 August 2019

Daily Mail and General Trust plc (DMGT)

Agreement to dispose of Genscape

DMGT announces that it has agreed the sale of Genscape, its Energy Information business, to Verisk (Nasdaq: VRSK), a leading data analytics provider, for US $364m. Genscape will become part of Wood Mackenzie, a Verisk business, and will enhance Wood Mackenzie's existing and complementary sector intelligence business in short-term energy data and analytics.  The sale is expected to complete in the coming weeks, subject to the completion of customary closing conditions.

Paul Zwillenberg, CEO, commented: "This transaction marks another major milestone in DMGT's continued transformation and is in line with our strategy. It will further increase the focus of the portfolio and will result in DMGT operating in five sectors, compared to ten in 2016.  Significant progress has been made improving operational execution at Genscape, consistent with our strategic priorities and, on completion, DMGT is expected to have more than £200m net cash on its balance sheet, enhancing the Group's financial flexibility."

Genscape, a pioneer in real-time data delivery, provides market intelligence across the global commodity and energy spectrum.  It operates the world's largest private network of in-field monitors for collecting fundamental energy data and aims to improve market transparency and efficiency.

Centerview Partners are acting as advisers to DMGT during the disposal process.

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About DMGT

DMGT manages a portfolio of companies that provide businesses and consumers with compelling information, analysis, insight, events, news and entertainment.  The Group takes a long-term approach to investment and has market-leading positions in consumer media, insurance risk, property information, education technology, energy information and events & exhibitions.  In total, DMGT generates revenues of around £1.4bn.

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