ASSYSTEM : Assystem SA completes its sale to Ardian of a controlling interest in GPS, its outsourced R&D division

Assystem SA completes its sale to Ardian of a controlling interest in GPS, its outsourced R&D division

Paris, 28 September 2017, 5.35 p.m. - As announced on 11 May 2017, today Assystem S.A. (ISIN FR0000074148 - ASY) transferred its outsourced R&D division - Global Product Solutions (GPS) - to a special-purpose acquisition company that is 60% owned by the private equity firm, Ardian. Assystem has retained a 40% stake in the new entity - which is called Assystem Technologies - with a view to keeping a close interest in its growth potential and value creation.

With over 9,000 employees located in a dozen countries, Assystem Technologies has cutting-edge technical know-how and proven expertise in critical and complex systems. It partners clients in the aerospace, defence, automotive, transportation and manufacturing sectors, from the design through to marketing of their products and services.

Dominique Louis, Chairman and CEO of Assystem, stated: "I firmly believe that Ardian's skills and investment capabilities, combined with Assystem's long-standing expertise, will make Assystem Technologies a standard-setter in the aerospace, defence, automotive, transportation and manufacturing sectors. This strategic move will create value for the clients, employees and shareholders of Assystem Technologies as well as for the shareholders of Assystem SA".

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As previously announced, the sale of GPS to Assystem Technologies was carried out for a total net asset value of €550 million, representing net cash proceeds of an estimated €400 million for Assystem (after deducting tax and other costs incurred in connection with the transaction and amounts reinvested in Assystem Technologies).

The share buyback offer scheduled to take place after the sale - representing at least €200 million and involving a minimum of 25% of Assystem's outstanding shares - should be launched, as announced, in the fourth quarter of 2017 (subject to the approval by the French securities regulator (Autorité des marchés financiers) of the note d'information).

ABOUT ASSYSTEM
Assystem is an international engineering group. As a key participant in the industry for 50 years, the Group supports its clients in managing their capital expenditure throughout the product life cycle. Assystem S.A. is listed on Euronext Paris.
For more information please visit www.assystem.com
Follow Assystem on Twitter: @Assystem

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