JCDecaux has decided not to pursue the acquisition of Metrobus group

JCDecaux SA (Euronext Paris: DEC), the number one outdoor advertising company worldwide, announced on October 19th 2015 an agreement with Publicis to increase its stake in Metrobus group from 33% to 100%, subject to the approval of the French Competition Authority. Following an in-depth examination exceeding 12 months, JCDecaux has unfortunately had to decide not to pursue this acquisition. In an advertising market that is experiencing a major digital transformation, the economic and strategic interests of the transaction were undermined by the excessive commitments required by the French Competition Authority, despite the significant undertakings which were offered by JCDecaux and confirmed by the market test.