Experian UK marketing revenue drops

by Daniel Farey-Jones, Brand Republic 16-Oct-08, 11:15

LONDON - Experian has said that its marketing services organic revenue in the UK and Ireland has dropped 7% and it has not been able to sell its online price comparison business PriceGrabber.

In a trading update for the six months to September 30, the information services giant said it had experienced overall revenue growth of 13%.

Although marketing services struggled in the UK and Ireland, the division registered organic growth of 2% in North America and 13% in EMEA/Asia Pacific.

However, Experian's efforts to sell PriceGrabber have proved fruitless as potential buyers have been unable to finance acceptable offers.

Acquired three years ago for $485m (£277m), PriceGrabber had been up for sale since February, but will now be retained.

Don Robert, chief executive of Experian, said: "This is a dynamic time for the global economy. Our markets are in the midst of significant change, which we expect to last for some time. This new environment will require our clients to strengthen risk management and optimise collections activities across their organisations."