Macro International Sold

infoGROUP Inc. has entered into an agreement to sell social research specialist Macro International Inc. to ICF International for $155 million in cash. Macro was acquired with ORC in December 2006 but is not considered to be 'a strategic fit' with the Group's other business.

Subject to the customary closing conditions, infoGROUP expects the transaction to be completed within the next few days. It plans to use substantially all of the net proceeds to reduce bank debt and significantly strengthen the Company's balance sheet.

Washington, D.C.-based Macro provides solutions to US federal government agencies including the Department of Health and Human Services and Departments of State, Education, and Veterans Affairs. In 2008 it had revenues of c.$150m. Founded in 1966, it was acquired by Opinion Research Corporation in 1999.

'When infoGROUP acquired Opinion Research Corporation in December 2006, Macro was part of the acquisition' comments Bill Fairfield, infoGROUP CEO. 'While we feel ORC and the market research business has synergies with the remainder of the Company, Macro's focus on governmental social research is not a strategic fit for the Company's overall portfolio of businesses.'

He continues: 'Our strategy now is to focus on creating organic growth in our core businesses and developing new interactive sales and marketing solutions for our clients. The strategic initiatives and cultural changes we are implementing are moving us in that direction and we can bring more urgency with our remaining businesses to speed this change... We feel the sale is the right move for the Company and Macro aligns well with ICF's strategic business. Overall this is a win-win for both infoGROUP and for ICF.'

Macro's new owner delivers consulting services and technology solutions to government and commercial clients, in the areas of energy, climate change, environment, transportation, social programs, health, defense, and emergency management. Established in 1969, it has more than 3,000 employees and reported gross revenues in 2008 of US$697.4 million.

ICF says the acquisition will add capabilities and clients in the health, human services and social programs market segments. Chairman and CEO Sudhakar Kesavan comments: 'This transaction illustrates an important element of ICF's growth strategy - to acquire profitable, high-quality firms that provide significant growth potential and cross-sell opportunities in our key markets.'

infoGroup, based in Omaha, NE, was founded in 1972 and is online at www.infoGROUP.com . ICF's web site is at www.icfi.com .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.

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