Convergys to Acquire Intervoice, Enhancing Leadership in Relationship Management

Thursday, 17 July 2008 10:31

Convergys Corporation (NYSE: CVG) and Intervoice, Inc. (NASDAQ: INTV) announced that the Boards of Directors of both companies have approved a definitive merger agreement under which Convergys will acquire Intervoice for US$335 million in cash or US$8.25 per share.  The consideration represents a premium of 24 percent to Intervoice’s closing stock price on July 15, 2008, the last trading day prior to the announcement of the agreement.  Convergys expects the acquisition to be accretive beginning in 2009 on a non-GAAP basis, excluding amortisation and one time costs.

With its strong global brand, innovative technology, and large and loyal customer base, Intervoice is a leader in the software-based interactive voice response, contact centre, and mobile messaging technology and applications markets.  Intervoice is also recognised in the leader's quadrant among its peers as acknowledged in Gartner, Inc.’s ‘Magic Quadrant for Interactive Voice Response Systems and Enterprise Voice Portals, 2008’ report published February 19, 2008.  The report states that “Intervoice has a strong track record and experience in delivering IVR and speech applications through packaged applications, complemented by service engagements.”

Acquisition Strategic and Financial Benefits

Comprehensive product and services offering – By integrating Intervoice’s complementary speech automation, Web self-care, and mobile applications, Convergys will be able to offer a comprehensive array of automated and live agent services.  Intervoice’s products and services portfolio provides Convergys with an expanded offering, reduced time to market, and enhanced differentiation in the large and growing automated services market.

Expanded client base and growth opportunities in global market – Intervoice serves thousands of enterprises and network service providers in 80 countries across multiple industries, including financial services, healthcare, retail and manufacturing, telecommunications, utilities, and transportation and travel.  Intervoice’s extensive global channel and technology partnerships and sales presence provide Convergys with a number of cross-selling opportunities to further penetrate current markets and access new markets and geographies.  These cross-selling opportunities as well as the new bundled product offerings are expected to accelerate Convergys revenue growth in 2009 and beyond.

"Separately, these companies have been strong strategic partners delivering products that have created opportunities for customers like us," said Robert Strickland, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at T-Mobile USA.  "If they come together, we look forward to seeing them continue to build on their ability to bring solutions to the market that place customer relationships at the centre."

Predictable revenue with attractive contribution margins – Intervoice revenues for its fiscal year ended February 28, 2008, were US$202.4 million. More than fifty percent of these revenues are maintenance and hosted services revenues that are predictable and recurring.  These maintenance and hosted services, along with the rest of Intervoice’s portfolio of products and services, generate attractive contribution margins.

“This acquisition is part of our plan to be the market leader in Relationship Management solutions,” said Dave Dougherty, Convergys President and CEO.  “Clients are demanding high-quality, integrated, relationship management solutions, combining both automated and live agent services, to drive more value from their relationships with their customers and employees. We believe acquiring Intervoice allows us to compete more effectively as a single-source provider and enables us to grow our revenues and our earnings.  We're very excited about this transaction and the value we expect it to create for our clients and shareholders, as well as the opportunities we expect it to create for Convergys and Intervoice employees.”

“While Intervoice has performed well independently for 25 years, this transaction should create significant value for our shareholders, new opportunities for our employees, and enhanced ways to drive our customers’ success,” said Robert Ritchey, CEO of Intervoice.  “Convergys is an industry leader that shares our passion for innovative technology and excellence in customer service.  We expect our complementary product and services suites to optimise relationship management across all industry segments.  We look forward to joining the Convergys team.”

Transaction Summary

Under the agreement, Convergys will commence a tender offer for all outstanding shares of Intervoice common stock for US$8.25 per share no later than August 1, 2008.  Following completion of the tender offer, the parties will effect a second-step merger in which remaining Intervoice shareholders will receive the same price per share.

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals as well as the valid tender of two-thirds the outstanding shares of Intervoice common stock.  Convergys expects the transaction to close in the third quarter of 2008.

Convergys intends to initially fund the transaction through existing and new credit facilities and cash on hand.  The tender offer is not subject to a financing contingency.

Following the close of the transaction, Intervoice results will be included in the results of Convergys’ Customer Management Segment.