Aimia and Multiplus receive Brazilian regulatory approval to launch joint venture
MONTREAL and SÃO PAULO, Brazil, May 9, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ – Aimia (TSX:
AIM), a global leader in loyalty management headquartered in Canada and
Multiplus (BM&FBOVESPA: MPLU3), Brazil’s leading loyalty network,
announced on November 8, 2011 that they had entered into an agreement
pursuant to which they would join forces to create a new loyalty
marketing services company in Brazil. The launch of the new business
was subject to approval from Brazilian anti-trust authorities (the
Conselho Administrativo de Defesa Econômica, or CADE).
Aimia and Multiplus are pleased to announce that the joint venture
between the two companies today received regulatory approval from CADE.
With this milestone, all the relevant steps have been completed, paving
the way for the joint venture to commence operations in 2012.
“Clearing this regulatory hurdle allows us to focus on the business”
said Aimia Group Chief executive, Rupert Duchesne, “Leveraging Aimia’s
full-suite loyalty capabilities with such a strong local partner as
Multiplus provides another major proof-point of the success of our
global expansion strategy.”
“We have been waiting for this decision. Now that the regulatory
formalities have been fulfilled, we look forward to creating, together
with Aimia, Brazil’s future leader in the loyalty services industry.”
said Multiplus Chief Executive Officer, Eduardo Gouveia. “We are now
ready to execute on our strategy and offer our clients unparalleled
loyalty services.”
The joint venture, which is owned in equal share participations by each
of the parties, will focus on the design, development, management of,
and value creation from data analytics and insight for third party
loyalty and incentive programs.
About Aimia
Aimia Inc. (“Aimia”), is a global leader in loyalty management. Aimia’s
unique capabilities include proven expertise in delivering proprietary
loyalty services, launching and managing coalition loyalty programs,
creating value through loyalty analytics and driving innovation in the
emerging digital and mobile spaces. Aimia owns and operates Aeroplan,
Canada’s premier coalition loyalty program and Nectar, the United
Kingdom’s largest coalition loyalty program. In addition, Aimia 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 and Cardlytics, a US-based private company operating in
merchant-funded transaction-driven marketing for electronic banking.
Aimia is a Canadian public company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange
(TSX: AIM) and has over 3,400 employees in more than 20 countries
around the world. For more information about Aimia, please visit www.aimia.com.
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/aimiainc.
Caution Concerning Aimia’s 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
forwardlooking 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 Aimia 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 Aimia’s public disclosure record on file
with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities. The
forward-looking statements contained in this discussion represent
Aimia’s expectations as of May 9, 2012 and are subject to change after
such date. However, Aimia 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.
About Multiplus
Multiplus (BM&FBOVESPA : MPLU3) is a loyalty coalition network and was
created in June 2009 as a business unit of the TAM Airlines group. In
October 2009, the company, which was legally established as an
independent operation, went public in February 2010 and is listed on
Brazil’s stock exchange market ‘BM&FBOVESPA’. As of today, Multiplus is
a subsidiary of TAM SA (BM&FBOVESPA:TAMM4 / NYSE:TAM), which currently
holds 73.14% of its shares.
By connecting different companies and loyalty programs, Multiplus allows
its members to accrue and redeem points in several different market
segments. Today, it consists of more than 200 commercial partners
connecting approximately 10 million members (1Q12) and it is possible
to earn Multiplus points directly or indirectly (by transferring from a
partner’s loyalty program) in more than 12,500 merchant locations and
redeem those points for more than 50,000 options of products and
services.
Multiplus’ strategic partnerships include several major companies such
as TAM Airlines, TAM Viagens (tour operator), Ipiranga (gas stations),
Livraria Cultura (bookstore), Accor and Hilton (hospitality), Oi
(telecom), Editora Globo (publisher), SKY (pay-TV), Luigi Bertolli,
Cori and Emme (apparel), Microlins, Wizard, XPe and Central de
Intercambio (education), Drogaria Rosário, Extrafarma, Droga Raia,
Panvel (drugstores), BM&FBOVESPA (stock exchange), Novapontocom
(e-commerce), Dell Anno, Favorita and New (furniture), Icatu Seguros
(insurance), Ofertas.com.br and Groupon (collective buying), Movida and
Lokamig (car rental), Chic Outlet (Shopping Centers) and Espaço Laser
(Beauty and Healthcare).
For more information about Multiplus, please visit www.multiplusfidelidade.com.br.
Caution Concerning Multiplus’ Forward-Looking Statements
This notice may contain estimates for future events. These estimates
merely reflect the expectations of the Company’s management, and
involve risks and uncertainties. The Company is not responsible for
investment operations or decisions taken based on information contained
in this communication. These estimates are subject to changes without
prior notice. This material is published solely for informational
purposes and is not to be construed as a solicitation or an offer to
buy or sell any securities or related financial instruments. Likewise
it does not give and should not be treated as giving investment advice.
It has no regard to the specific investment objectives, financial
situation or particular needs of any recipient. No representation or
warranty, either express or implied, is provided in relation to the
accuracy, completeness or reliability of the information contained
herein. It should not be regarded by recipients as a substitute for the
exercise of their own judgment.
Contact:
Media
Aimia:
JoAnne Hayes
+1-416-352-3706
joanne.hayes@aimia.com
Multiplus:
Ana Paula Stroher
+55 11 5090-8900 ext. 8621
ana.stroher@ketchum.com.br
Analysts & Investors
Aimia:
Trish Moran
+1-416-352-3728
trish.moran@aimia.com
Multiplus :
Ronald Domingues
+55-11-5105-1847
invest@multiplusfidelidade.com.br