December 16, 2003

Experian Consumer Direct announces
acquisition of MetaReward

Acquisition expands distribution network and direct marketing efforts

Irvine, Calif., Dec. 16, 2003 – Experian Consumer DirectSM, the leading provider of online direct-to-consumer credit reports and products, today announced the acquisition of MetaReward, a leading performance-based Internet loyalty marketing company.

“We are very pleased to add MetaReward’s direct marketing capabilities to Experian’s consumer business,” said Ed Ojdana, president of Experian Consumer Direct. “This new relationship will broaden the distribution channels for some of our credit products and services into the rapidly growing loyalty and rewards space, as well as leverage our direct marketing expertise. Further, it expands our portfolio of consumer products beyond credit reports and identity theft protection. Among the new services, consumers will be able to earn gift cards that can be redeemed at many of the world’s leading retail companies.”

MetaReward is a leading developer of tools and technologies that enable Web publishers to increase revenue and customer retention through the use of performance-based marketing offers.
The company has more than four years experience building technology platforms and developing marketing relationships that drive profitable direct marketing revenue from brand-name companies. They also offer direct marketers the ability to acquire new customers through a network of leading third-party Web publishers as well as their own proprietary Web properties. The MetaReward network is visited by more than four million consumers each month, ranking it among the most frequently visited by consumers.

“As a part of Experian, we will further improve our ability to offer the highest quality experience for our users, marketers and publishers,” said Erik Larson, co-founder and chief operating officer of MetaReward. “MetaReward’s industry leading technology in the areas of Internet distribution and direct marketing will further strengthen Experian's current online consumer direct offerings.”

Experian did not disclose the terms of the purchase, but did indicate that the acquisition of MetaReward will be immediately accretive to earnings.

MetaReward properties include NetFlip, FreeGiftCentral, MovieTicketSource and MisterPoints reward programs as well as the ExpertsOnCredit credit advice site. Third party Web publishers include both large, highly trafficked Internet properties and small to medium-sized Web sites and services.

About Experian Consumer Direct

Experian Consumer DirectSM delivers the Internet’s premier credit products and services to help consumers better manage their financial lives. Its three-bureau report provides consumers instant access to their complete credit history from their Experian, Equifax and TransUnion files. Experian Consumer Direct’s Internet sites include FreeCreditReport.com, ConsumerInfo.com, CreditExpert.com and CreditMatters.com. The company delivered more than 1.5 million scores in 2002 and currently, more than 1.6 million members belong to its credit monitoring service. Experian Consumer Direct has established integrated co-branded partnerships with Yahoo!, Microsoft, EarthLink, LendingTree, Quicken, E-LOAN, and E*TRADE Group. The company is part of GUS plc (London Stock Exchange: GUS.L).

Experian Consumer Direct contact:

Heather Greer
Experian Consumer Direct
Phone: 714 830 7756
Email: heather.greer@experian.com

 

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