Plano-based Alliance Data Sells Off Epsilon Marketing Division for $4.4 Billion

Alliance Data Systems Corp. is selling its Irving-based Epsilon marketing services business to one of the world's largest advertising companies in a $4.4 billion cash transaction.Plano-based Alliance Data announced the deal Sunday with Publicis Groupe to coincide with the French company's earnings release. It's expected to close later this year after regulatory approvals.Alliance Data, a Fortune 500 company with about $8 billion in annual revenue, said it'll buy back shares and pay down debt with the $3.5 billion it expects to net after taxes and deal-related fees. "I'm pleased to say today's announcement represents a trifecta win for Alliance Data, Epsilon and Publicis Groupe," said Ed Heffernan, president and CEO of Alliance Data, in a statement. "With this transaction, Alliance Data is executing on its previously announced goals of transitioning into a leaner, more focused organization."  Continue reading...