Sterling Infosystems Acquires Key Competitor AISS from Acxiom

NEW YORK, Dec. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Sterling Infosystems Inc., today announced it has acquired AISS, a leading background screening company, from Acxiom Corporation (Nasdaq: ACXM).  Sterling, one of the largest background screening companies in the world, now takes the second spot and is well positioned for future growth.

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William Greenblatt, Founder and CEO of New York City-headquartered Sterling, said, "The acquisition of AISS, one of our largest competitors, is a pivotal point in Sterling's history because it will make us the second largest background screening company in the world. It will furthermore allow AISS to realize its full potential by being part of a company that is solely focused on what AISS is focused on – background screening."

"Sterling Infosystems and AISS are a natural fit for each other," said Acxiom CEO and President Scott Howe. "This agreement will benefit both companies – AISS will be able to grow and gain a global footprint while Acxiom will have the ability to bring greater focus and investment to our core database and marketing services business."

This acquisition is the latest in a string of high-profile purchases Sterling has made over the past few years, including:

• Bishops Investigative Services: The oldest privately held private investigation and corporate due diligence firm in the United States
• Abso Inc, a background screening firm based in California
• Screening International, which was comprised of American Backgrounds Inc. and Aperion Screening in the United Kingdom
• Tandem Select, a Colorado-based background screening firm that ranked on the Inc 5000

This track record has demonstrated a successful strategy of acquisitive growth in an industry that is expected to continue its trend of consolidation.

About Sterling Infosystems:

Sterling Infosystems, Inc. (www.sterlinginfosystems.com), founded in 1975, is one of the largest background screening companies in the world with an international presence known for industry leading turn-around-time, customer service and expertise in customizing solutions for industry specific needs.  Most recently, Sterling became the only global background screening company in 2011's Inc 5000.  Sterling offers a broad range of services, including student screening services, corporate due diligence and background investigation services, occupational health services, and employment-related business tax consulting in the United States and in 200 countries around the world.  With a decade as one of the fastest growing background screening companies, their 9,000+ clients range from leading Fortune 500 firms to small and medium sized businesses.

About Acxiom

Acxiom is a recognized leader in marketing services and technology that enable marketers to successfully manage audiences, personalize consumer experiences and create profitable customer relationships. Our superior industry-focused, consultative approach combines consumer data and analytics, databases, data integration and consulting solutions for personalized, multichannel marketing strategies. Acxiom leverages over 40 years of experience in data management to deliver high-performance, highly secure, reliable information management services. Founded in 1969, Acxiom is headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA, and serves clients around the world from locations in the United States, Europe, Asia-Pacific and South America. For more information about Acxiom, visit Acxiom.com.

SOURCE Sterling Infosystems, Inc.