5 July 2007

Il Sole 24 ORE acquires Data Ufficio, a leader in software solutions

Milan, 5 July 2007 – Il Sole 24 ORE has signed an agreement to acquire the entire share capital of Data Ufficio, a company specialised in software solutions for professionals and the public administration and the production and distribution of office materials. With more than €12 million in sales in 2006, the company has developed significant product and process innovations that today allow it to handle more than 800 thousand tax returns through its OnLine solutions.

The acquisition transaction - currently in the process of review by the Anti-Trust Authority - represents an important step in the strategic development plan by the Professional Division of Il Sole 24 ORE Group for the market of Management Software Solutions for Professionals, SMEs and the Public Sector. With this acquisition, the Group can bolster its offer of integrated solutions for accountants, by acquiring an important standing on the online market of tax and labour issues for the public sector and for tax assistance centers.
 
“We are more attentive to the needs of our customers and we are strengthening the leadership of Il Sole 24 ORE," noted the C.E.O., Claudio Calabi, "in publishing, training, software and communications services with technical, regulatory and scientific content for professionals, businesses and public administration, sectors in rapid and continuous evolution."