Merger of Edipresse Switzerland and Tamedia already in 2011

Press Release 

Lausanne and Zurich, 8 April 2011 - The two media companies, Edipresse and Tamedia, have agreed to merge their Swiss business already in the coming months and not as of 1 January 2013 as originally intended. This decision followed a successful first phase of the integration process, in which numerous synergy and growth projects could be realised.

Tamedia had in 2010 taken over 49,9 per cent of the share capital of Presse Publications SR S.A. (PPSR), which encompasses the most significant Swiss media activities of Edipresse. At the beginning of 2011, the participation has been increased by a further 0,2 per cent of the share capital. Tamedia has paid a total of CHF 207.3 million to Edipresse for the first two investment steps. The purchase price for the 49,9 per cent of the share capital of PPSR acquired early lies, depending on the future business development, between CHF 269.8 and 330.2 million in cash plus 250,000 registered shares of Tamedia and will be payable over a period of two years.

Pierre Lamunière, Chairman of the Board of Edipresse Group, remains the Publisher of the media of Edipresse Switzerland, the Chairman of the Board of Presse Publications SR S.A. and a Board Member of Tamedia.

In the coming months, Edipresse Switzerland and Tamedia intend to realise synergies in the service areas and invest both in new media and in the development of existing media. A common business structure and organisation is to be achieved as a first step.

Presse Publications SR S.A. achieved turnover (operating revenues) of CHF 362.9 million in the past year. Edipresse Group will at its Media Conference today, Friday, 8 April 2011 at 10:30 am in the Tour Edipresse in Lausanne, provide information as to the results for 2010 and the merger. The Media Conference of Tamedia with detailed information on the early implementation of the merger and the development of PPSR and Tamedia during the past year will take place on Tuesday, 12 April 2011 at 10:15 am in Zurich.