Groupe Aeroplan Signs Global Long-term Strategic Alliance with
Cardlytics
and Acquires Minority Position
Secures strategic position in bank merchant-funded transaction-driven marketing
Montreal, QC, September 8, 2011 – Groupe Aeroplan Inc. (TSX: AER) today announced that it
has signed a long-term global strategic alliance with Cardlytics, a US based leader in merchantfunded
transaction-driven marketing for electronic banking. Groupe Aeroplan has also acquired
a minority equity position in Cardlytics for total cash consideration of US$23 million. Groupe
Aeroplan joins a group of existing investors who are injecting additional expansion capital of
US$10 million for a combined total of US$33 million.
Cardlytics’ solution is ground-breaking in the world of marketing. Cardlytics leverages individual
financial card information, captured and secured behind the financial institutions’ own firewalls,
to provide consumers with personalized merchant offers. These highly targeted offers are
delivered directly to the consumer via trusted electronic banking channels including mobile,
email and on-line banking. The company’s proven technology solution is uniquely designed for
banking offering maximum security for the protection of customers’ personal information.
In addition to providing participating retailers with a targeted and measurable channel,
Cardlytics provides valuable analytics services to help understand where consumers are making
their buying decisions.
“This transaction allows us to further complement our full-suite loyalty services offering within
the important financial services sector,” said Rupert Duchesne, President and Chief Executive
Officer of Groupe Aeroplan. “Our alliance with Cardlytics will also give us invaluable access to
top retailers around the world and is in line with our strategy of making small strategic
investments in the data, mobile and digital spaces.”
“Cardlytics brings a solid track record and international reputation among leading retailers and
financial institutions, in addition to a highly trusted and reputable technology solution,” added
Duchesne. “We look forward to working closely with Cardlytics in the nascent but fast moving
space of transaction-driven marketing.”
Through their long-term global strategic alliance, Groupe Aeroplan and Cardlytics will further
grow Cardlytics’ offering outside the United States.
“Transaction-driven marketing is a uniquely powerful solution for retailers and financial
institutions,” said Scott Grimes, Chief Executive Officer of Cardlytics. “Today, we can reach 70%
of U.S. households in conjunction with our financial institution partners. Our deep strategic
alliance with Groupe Aeroplan positions us to rapidly establish the same leadership position in
other major markets.”
Details of the equity participation were not disclosed. Groupe Aeroplan will account for its
strategic investment in Cardlytics as an available-for-sale financial asset and is entitled to Board
representation.
TD Securities acted as financial advisor for Groupe Aeroplan in connection with this transaction.
About Groupe Aeroplan Inc.
Groupe Aeroplan Inc., a global leader in loyalty management, owns Aeroplan, Canada’s premier
coalition loyalty program, Aimia, an international loyalty marketing services,
engagement and events provider, as well as Nectar, the United Kingdom’s largest coalition
loyalty program. Groupe Aeroplan also operates LMG Insight & Communication, an international
customer-driven insight and data analytics business. In addition, Groupe Aeroplan has majority
equity positions in Air Miles Middle East and Nectar Italia as well as a minority position in Club
Premier, Mexico’s leading coalition loyalty program. For more information about Groupe
Aeroplan, please visit www.groupeaeroplan.com.
Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this news release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking
statements are included in this news release. These forward-looking statements are
identified by the use of terms and phrases such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “could”, “estimate”,
“expect”, “intend”, “may”, “plan”, “predict”, “project”, “will”, “would”, and similar terms and
phrases, including references to assumptions. Such statements, by their nature, are based on
assumptions and are subject to important risks and uncertainties. Any forecasts or forward-looking
predictions or statements cannot be relied upon due to, amongst other things, changing
external events and general uncertainties of the economy and the business of Groupe Aeroplan
and its partners. Results indicated in forward-looking statements may differ materially from
actual results for a number of reasons, including the factors identified throughout Groupe
Aeroplan's public disclosure record on file with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities.
The forward-looking statements contained in this discussion represent Groupe Aeroplan’s
expectations as of September 8, 2011 and are subject to change after such date. However,
Groupe Aeroplan disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking
statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as
required under applicable securities regulations.
For more information, please contact:
Media
Michele Meier
514-205-7028
michele.meier@groupeaeroplan.com
Analysts & Investors
Trish Moran
416-352-3728
trish.moran@groupeaeroplan.com