Alliance Data Agrees to be Acquired by The Blackstone Group for $7.8 billion

Alliance Data Systems Corporation announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Blackstone Capital Partners V L.P., an affiliate of The Blackstone Group, in a transaction valued at approximately $7.8 billion, including the assumption of certain debt. Under the terms of the agreement, Blackstone will acquire all of the outstanding common stock of Alliance Data for $81.75 per share in cash. The purchase price represents a premium of approximately 30 percent over Alliance Data’s closing share price of $62.96 on May 16, 2007.

Following the unanimous recommendation of a special committee of the Alliance Data board of directors, composed solely of independent directors, the board unanimously approved the agreement and has recommended that Alliance Data stockholders adopt the agreement. Completion of the transaction, which is currently expected to occur by year-end, is contingent upon customary closing conditions, including antitrust, other regulatory approvals and the approval of Alliance Data’s stockholders, who will be asked to vote on the transaction at a special meeting.

There is no financing condition to the obligations of Blackstone to consummate the transaction, and equity and debt commitments for the full amount of the merger consideration have been received. It is currently anticipated that substantially all of Alliance Data’s outstanding series A and series B senior notes will either be tendered for or repaid in connection with the transaction.

Mike Parks, Alliance Data Chairman and CEO, said that the agreement will benefit both Alliance Data stockholders and clients.

"By maximizing the value of their investment, this agreement is clearly in the best interests of our stockholders," said Parks. "At the same time, it is business as usual for us as we continue to support our clients and partner with them to build loyal, lasting relationships with their customers. Our clients will now have the added benefit of working with an organization that is completely focused on their success. And our teaming with Blackstone, which has a demonstrated track record of investing in and growing the firms it acquires, will benefit our clients now and in the future."

Chip Schorr, a Senior Managing Director at Blackstone, said "Alliance Data is a true leader in loyalty and marketing solutions and we believe that management’s demonstrated track record of continued growth combined with Blackstone’s investment expertise and industry experience will create a powerful partnership. We are excited about the opportunity to work together with management and with Alliance Data’s dedicated employees to help continue to grow the business and further strengthen the company’s competitive position."

Banc of America Securities LLC and Lehman Brothers, Inc. served as financial advisors to Alliance Data and the special committee of the Alliance Data board in connection with the transaction, and Evercore Group L.L.C. served as financial advisor to the special committee. Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal counsel to the special committee and Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP served as legal counsel to Alliance Data. Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and Blackstone Corporate Advisory Services served as financial advisors to The Blackstone Group, and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP served as its legal counsel.