Claranet sells Amen Group to Dada S.p.A. for €17.5 million in cash

Claranet to sharpen focus on managed services

London 16 July 2008 - International managed services provider, Claranet, today announced the €17.5m cash sale of the Amen Group of companies to Dada S.p.A, international leader in both Community & Entertainment services for web and mobile, as well as Domain, Hosting & online Advertising services, listed on the Italian Stock Exchange (MTA Segment STAR: DA.MI).

The Amen Group is one of Europe’s largest domain and web hosting specialists, and was acquired by Claranet on 12 July 2005 as part of a larger transaction involving US-based hosting and network provider, Via Networks. The divestment allows Claranet to sharpen its focus on core business and enhances the Group’s ability to continue its organic and external growth in the burgeoning managed network and hosting services market.

When we acquired Amen, our goal was to grow the company through sustained investment in its people and technology and make it a European market leader. We are pleased to have realised this goal and that our investment in the company has paid off.

This transaction is a win for all parties. Having expanded our footprint over the last 12 years to include seven countries, 12 offices and 16 data centres, we are now in an even better position to grow organically and through further acquisitions. This transaction will contribute to our focus on delivering high-quality network, hosting and application hosting services to business. We plan to continue working with Amen by providing managed network, hosting and support services across Europe.Charles Nasser, founder and CEO of Claranet

ENDS

Notes to editors:

About Claranet

Claranet is a managed services provider with over 12 years’ experience in the IT industry. We manage network, hosting, and application hosting, services for our business customers, enabling them to focus on their business rather than worrying about their technology.

The Claranet Group comprises 12 offices, 16 data centres and 600 staff. Our hosting services extend from co-location to managing complex mission-critical applications for leading international companies. Our international MPLS core network enables optimal service levels across 6 European countries and the US. We operate 24-hour network operating centres covering all countries. Claranet is carrier-neutral with a proven track record in delivering services to our customer base of over 36,000 organisations. Our high-calibre customers include Airbus, Danone, DeVere Group, EDF Energy and EMI.

Claranet strives for excellence and is committed to delivering the highest quality products and services. Our ISO9001 accreditation, acceptance into the Telecom Networks Framework Agreement and Microsoft Gold Certified Partner status, all recognise Claranet’s exceptional track record in providing managed services for businesses and the public sector.

See www.uk.clara.net for more information.

Contacts:
3 Monkeys Communications
Tony Mangan
+44 20 7440 2427
tony@3-monkeys.co.uk

Katie Morrison
+44 20 7440 3856
katiem@3-monkeys.co.uk

About Dada

Dada S.p.A. (dada.dada.net) is an international leader in both Community & Entertainment services for web and mobile, as well as Domain, Hosting & online Advertising services.
Dada is organized around 2 main business units: Dada.net (www.dada.net, community & entertainment services with a strong focus on music) and DadaPro (professional services for online presence & advertising services on the Net).
Dada is listed on the Italian stock market MTA segment STAR (DA.MI) and its shareholders include the management with 12.54% of the share capital and the RCS Group, which holds 46.54%.

http://dada.dada.net/it/presskit
http://dada.dada.net/it/corporatepresentation

Contact:
Serena Santolamazza
Head of External Relations Dada
Tel 02/54027714 - Fax 02/54027749
serena.santolamazza@staff.dada.net