SINGAPORE: Singtel said on Tuesday (Jul 26) that it would sell its loss-making digital marketing arm Amobee to London-listed Tremor International for US$239 million in a bid to sharpen its focus on core businesses.
Singtel last year started a strategic review of US-based Amobee after the unit booked an impairment charge of S$589 million (US$424.9 million).
The unit, which Singtel bought in 2012 for US$321 million, also reported negative core earnings in the second half due to weaker advertising revenue.
“We are actively reshaping our portfolio to ensure optimal allocation of resources towards new growth drivers, as well as improve shareholder value,” Singtel Chief Executive Yuen Kuan Moon said in a statement.
Southeast Asia’s largest telecoms firm said net proceeds from the divestment are estimated to be about US$197 million after the deal close, which is expected by September.
Digital advertising firm Tremor expects to fund the purchase with existing cash resources and a new US$100 million debt facility, it said.
Moelis & Company advised Singtel on the divestment.
