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Expert approves acquisition of Clearsore by Experian

Experian, the leading provider of information technology solutions and solutions, announces that it has signed an agreement to take over ClearsScore. Clearsore is an innovating UK consumers association that brings together individual consumers to create their own finance product, providing free loan reporting, ratings and finance training both on-line and via portable equipment. Experian's Chief Executive Officer, Brian Cassin:

ClearScore provides free and unrestricted online banking client accountability, providing clients with personalised finance solutions that are best tailored to their specific needs. This includes offerings for credits card, credits, mortgages, auto credits and other related service. So far OpenScore has registered over 6 million members in the UK through its free member mode.

There is a large and fast developing UK retail introduction business for retail finance in the UK. Expenditure is also quickly moving to on-line platforms to make offerings more available and efficient to those looking for loans. With its industry-leading metrics, score and analysis used to measure a consumer's entitlement and capability to purchase a mortgage, Experian is positioned unique to this development.

ClearScore's takeover will merge two well-known, high-growth British hypermarkets, both of which will be maintained. In addition, two companies with complimentary asset values and abilities will be brought together to enhance results for customers. ClearScore expects to profit from Experian's extensive databases, analytic capability and sales, while Experian will profit from ClearScore's expertise in creating attractive and easy-to-use service and an aggressive corporate environment that has managed to keep its members active.

ClearScore will also help speed up our ambition to offer consumer international care by recently establishing a consumer care facility in South Africa. GBP275 million (US$385 million)*, with further profit opportunities dependent on the achievement of further cash outflows. Pending approval by the Competition and Market Authority and the German Federal Finance Agency, as well as other usual closure terms, the deal is financed from Experian's dedicated banking facility.

We expect it to be closed later in 2018 and to increase our benchmarks in the first full year after the acquisition. ClearScore's brokerage and brokerage activities are provided free of charge to the consumer and generate income through brokerage charges payable by creditors and other third party agents on their website. As the nature of the loan offerings and functions available through ClearScore's website has risen and member numbers have risen, ClearScore has seen fast economic upturn.

Financials: ClearScore is on course to achieve revenues of approximately USD 55 million for the 2018 fiscal year, an approximately 50% rise over 2017, with continued vigorous 2019 sales expansion. Experian's contributions to Experian's 2018 quarterly result are likely to be flat, increasing to around USD 20 million in 2019 before integrations expenses.

The development of our operating profit (EBIT) is likely to be supported by significant annual costs of around USD 25 million from the Experian acquisition. Upon graduation, ClearScore will join UK Consumer Services. *ukp£/us$ 1.40 to 14 March 2018 conversion rates.