LBi acquires Special Ops Media in New York

PRESS RELEASE
Stockholm/Amsterdam, 7 April 2008
 
LBI International AB ("LBi"), the global marketing and technology
agency today announces acquisition of the full-service interactive
agency Special Ops Media in New York, US. Special Ops has a strong
national reputation and specializes in online marketing & strategy,
online media (planning and buying), creative services and online
publicity for a wide variety of major national and international
brands. 
 
LBi CEO Luke Taylor states "In the strategic roadmap, released
earlier this year, we communicated our intent to extend and deepen
our service offer in the United States. The acquisition of Special
Ops perfectly delivers on this ambition and adds a best in class
strategic marketing and media capability to our US business. Special
Ops have, in particular, unique skills in innovative social network
marketing and online PR.  We plan to leverage this capability across
our global footprint on the back of strong client demand for these
specialist services.
 
Special Ops co-CEOs Christian Anthony and Jason Klein state "We
believe that LBi's global reach, stellar reputation, deep digital
expertise, entrepreneurial culture, and seasoned management present
the perfect partnership opportunity.  We are thrilled to be joining
LBi after 5 years of strong growth, innovation and award-winning
client service at Special Ops, and we look forward to building the
premier global digital agency together."
 
LBi US Chief Operating Officer Gavin Fraser adds "The Special Ops
team compliments our existing US businesses very well, in particular
strengthening our offerings in strategic marketing,
communications and media.  Our clients need agencies expert in all
aspects of the digital landscape, and with the addition of Special
Ops we more than ever are in position to serve our clients
exceptionally well." 
 
Over 2007 Special Ops realized gross billings of USD 22.3 million,
net sales of USD 10.1 million and EBIT of USD 4.0 million. The agency
today has 64 employees.
  
The total purchase price will be in the range of USD 20-45 million
(dependant on an earn-out arrangement based on future performance)
and can partially be paid with shares. Special Ops will be
consolidated as per 1 April 2008 and be EBITDA and earnings accretive
with immediate effect.
 
For further information please contact:
Luke Taylor, CEO, LBI International AB
+44 7976 619 022, luke.taylor@lbi.com
Christian Anthony, co-CEO, Special Ops Media
+1 212 219 0600, Christian@specialopsmedia.com;
Jason Klein, co-CEO, Special Ops Media,
+1 212 219 0600, jason@specialopsmedia.com
Huub Wezenberg, acting CFO, LBI International AB
+31 20 460 2980, huub.wezenberg@lbi.com
Eva Ottosson, Group Communications Manager, LBI International AB
+46 709 41 21 40, eva.ottosson@lbi.com
 
 
About LBi:
LBi is the global marketing and technology agency The Company employs
approximately 1,500 professionals located primarily in the major
European, American and Asian business centers, such as Amsterdam,
Berlin, Brussels, London, Milan, Mumbai, New York, Paris and
Stockholm. LBi blends the full range of service disciplines to create
innovative multichannel solutions for national and international
corporate clients. By combining business and media strategy
development with creative design, industry expertise and the latest
digital communications technology, LBi offers a unique, and uniquely
valuable proposition. LBi is listed on OMX Nordic in Stockholm and
Euronext in Amsterdam as (symbol: LBI).
 
About Special Ops Media:
Special Ops Media (SOM) is a full-service interactive agency that
provides clients with the opportunity to have all of their online
needs serviced within a single organization.  SOM has achieved a
national reputation for their expertise in online marketing &
strategy, online media (planning and buying), creative services and
online publicity.  SOM's highly original and well-orchestrated
digital campaigns employ viral initiatives, guerrilla marketing and
other grassroots tactics, in addition to traditional interactive
advertising methods.  Since its founding in 2002, SOM has created and
managed innovative and attention-grabbing campaigns for a wide
variety of major national and international brands including, but not
limited to: Citigroup; The Coca-Cola Company; Hachette Filipacchi,
Harper Collins, Scholastic, Penguin Publishing; Dell Computer; MTV,
Spike TV, NBC Universal, AMC, The Sundance Channel, Lionsgate
Entertainment, Paramount, Universal Music Group, Capitol Records,
Columbia Records, EA Games, Ubisoft, Atari and Proximo Spirits.  For
more information, please see www.specialopsmedia.com.