Nielsen Holdings Offers To Buy Harris Interactive For $2 A Share

(RTTNews) - Market research company Harris Interactive Inc. (HPOL), Monday said it has agreed to be bought by Nielsen Holdings N.V. (NLSN), a tracker of U.S. television ratings, for $2.00 a share.

Under the terms of the deal, Nielsen will start an offer to buy shares of Harris Interactive's common stock through a wholly owned subsidiary formed for the purpose of making the offer. Shareholders of Harris Interactive's will get $2.00 a share in cash.

The $2.00 per share offer represents a 2 percent premium to the average price in the 60 consecutive trading days prior to announcement of the transaction.

The Harris Interactive board of directors has unanimously approved the deal and certain of the directors of Harris Interactive have entered into tender and support agreements, representing approximately 12 percent of shares.

"This announcement reflects the successful completion of the turnaround strategy that we began in July 2011 and will deliver to Harris Interactive stockholders meaningful value and liquidity immediately upon closing," said Al Angrisani, President and Chief Executive Officer of Harris Interactive.

HPOL is currently trading at $2.04, down $0.04 or 1.92%, on the Nasdaq.