Dow Jones to Sell Its Interest in STOXX Ltd.

Thu Nov 12, 2009 3:03am EST
 
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NEW YORK--(Business Wire)--
Dow Jones & Company has entered a definitive agreement to sell its one-third
interest in STOXX Ltd. and provide certain intellectual-property rights to its
joint-venture partners for €206.1 million (approximately $309 million). 

There is an opportunity for Dow Jones to receive up to a further €29 million
(approximately $44 million) depending on future business performance. 

After the transaction is complete, Deutsche Boerse AG and SIX Group will each
own 50% of STOXX with Deutsche Boerse holding a one-share majority. 

"This is the result of a strategic evaluation of Dow Jones` index businesses and
represents an opportunity to realize significant value on an investment made in
STOXX just over a decade ago," said Les Hinton, chief executive of Dow Jones. 

The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary
closing conditions, is expected to close by the end of first quarter of 2010. 

"This venture was very successful in part because Deutsche Boerse and SIX Group
were excellent partners," Mr. Hinton said. "We wish them both much success for
the future." 

The Dow Jones STOXX Indexes were launched in 1998 as the European Monetary Union
prepared for the launch of the Euro. 

ABOUT DOW JONES

Dow Jones & Company (www.dowjones.com) is a News Corporation company (NASDAQ:
NWS, NWSA; ASX: NWS, NWSLV; www.newscorp.com). Dow Jones is a leading provider
of global business news and information services. Its Consumer Media Group
publishes The Wall Street Journal, Barron's and MarketWatch. Its Enterprise
Media Group includes Dow Jones Newswires, Dow Jones Factiva, Dow Jones Client
Solutions, Dow Jones Indexes and Dow Jones Financial Information Services. Its
Local Media Group operates community-based information franchises.

Dow Jones & Company
Vice President, Corporate Affairs
Howard Hoffman, 609-520-4765
Howard.Hoffman@dowjones.com



Copyright Business Wire 2009

 

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