Market Intelligence Firm Wiland Gets Buy-Back Funds

In the US, market intelligence and data services firm Wiland has raised $30.6m through a securities offering, for use in buying back $20m worth of common stock from shareholders.

Wiland's database houses billions of transactions from thousands of brands, and is analysed to provide a picture of consumer spending and interests, allowing clients to target off-line and online audiences. Services include the building of predictive models to help clients reach active and lapsed customers by identifying the most profitable audiences for each channel.

According to documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), around $4.7m of the stock will be bought back from the company's officers and directors. CFO Mike Gaffney says the capital raised represented about 14% of the company's value, and comments: 'We've had a lot of individual shareholders over the years who have trusted the company. We thought it is time to have a liquidity event and repay some of those shareholders through this tender offer'.

The firm, which is led by President and Chairman Phil Wiland (pictured), is online at: www.wiland.com .