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PARETO IN DISCUSSIONS TO BE ACQUIRED BY THE RIVERSIDE COMPANY

^{Published on 2011-01-19 05:41:12 - Market Wire}
 

TORONTO, Jan. 19 /CNW/ - Pareto Corporation (TSX: PTO) ("Pareto" or "the Company"), a leading Shopper Marketing company, today announced that it is engaged in exclusive discussions with an affiliate of The Riverside Company regarding the potential sale of the Company to The Riverside Company, the terms and conditions of which are still being discussed and are subject to final Board approvals. No definitive offer has been made at this point and, in the event of an offer, there can be no assurances that a final agreement will be reached.  The Company expects an offer, if received, would be at a price of $2.72 per common share.

Assuming successful completion of the acquisition, it has been agreed that the Company's executive team will remain in place and contribute as significant investors in the newly formed private company.

Pareto has issued this press release in response to recent trading activity in its common stock. The Company intends to make no further comment regarding the possible sale of the Company unless and until a definitive agreement is reached or all discussions are terminated.

About Pareto Corporation

Pareto Corporation is a Shopper Marketing company that offers marketing execution solutions to leading companies in a broad range of industry sectors. Pareto provides measurable, quantifiable services that complement our clients' marketing and sales departments. For more information, please visit our website at [ www.pareto.ca ].

About The Riverside Company

The Riverside Company is a global private equity firm focused on acquiring growing enterprises valued at up to $200 million (€200 million in Europe). The firm partners with strong management teams and enhances its investments through acquisitions and organic growth. Since its founding in 1988, Riverside has invested in more than 240 transactions with a total enterprise value of more than $5.4 billion/€4.4 billion. The firm's portfolio in North America, Europe and the Asia Pacific region includes 71 companies with roughly 14,000 employees. Riverside completes acquisitions smoothly thanks to $3.4 billion/€2.7 billion in assets under management, more than 195 professionals in 19 offices, and longstanding relationships with partner lenders.

This press release contains forward-looking statements related to expected future events and financial operating results of Pareto that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from management expectations as projected in such forward-looking statements for a variety of reasons, including market and general economic conditions and the risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in Pareto's SEDAR filings.