The Jordan, Edmiston Group, Inc. (JEGI) is pleased to announce that Undertone Networks (www.undertone-inc.com), a premium online advertising network, has received a strategic investment from JMI Equity (www.jmiequity.com), a private equity firm exclusively focused on investments in growing software and business services companies.

JEGI, the leading independent investment bank for the media and information industries, represented Intercept Interactive, the parent company of Undertone, in this transaction and acted as its exclusive financial advisor.

The funding will enable Undertone to further accelerate growth in domestic and international markets. JMI will work closely with Undertone’s management team to help the company continue to grow, deliver innovative services to its clients and create opportunities for its employees.

Working with leading traditional and digital advertising agencies and their clients, Undertone executes and strategically manages online advertising campaigns that allow clients to maximize their return on investment. Currently, Undertone has offices in seven major media markets across the U.S. and offers a full suite of interactive advertising solutions that include video, behavioral targeting and high impact ad solutions across a collection of the Internet’s most well known and regarded Web properties.

“JMI understands our business and will help us execute our strategy of showing leading marketers how a network like Undertone can be effective for both brand and direct response initiatives,” said Michael Cassidy, Chief Executive Officer, Undertone.

“In the crowded ad network marketplace, Undertone has distinguished itself by bringing accountability to the space by establishing itself as the only ad network focused exclusively on high-end Web publishers,” said Brad Woloson, General Partner, JMI.



JEGI is also pleased to announce that it has appointed Thomas Creaser to the newly created position of Executive Vice President, Professional Services Group, responsible for overseeing the internal operations of JEGI’s client engagements, project management, and its team of Vice Presidents, Senior Associates, Associates and Analysts. His responsibilities include partnering with JEGI’s Managing Directors and COO to further expand and solidify JEGI’s reputation for industry-leading client service.

“We are very pleased that Tom has joined our senior leadership team,” said Wilma Jordan, Founder and CEO, JEGI. “His addition will ensure JEGI meets the demands required by the firm’s growth. Tom has been on the client side of transactions and his perspective and strong management skills will increase JEGI’s ability to anticipate, meet and exceed the increasing demands of a complex mergers marketplace.”

As a 10-year veteran of The Walt Disney Company, Mr. Creaser led the financial, operations, business development and strategic planning functions of the company’s consumer magazine business with successful print and web site editions of popular magazine brands including FamilyFun, Wondertime and Discover. Creaser played a critical role in increasing operating efficiencies within the business unit and led both the launch and sale of Disney-owned properties.

Mr. Creaser brings to JEGI a unique experience combining media operations and financial services. Prior to his tenure with Disney, he was part of the national advertising sales analysis team at the CBS Television Network, and earlier in his career, Mr. Creaser worked directly with business owners as a commercial banker in the New England region. Mr. Creaser received an MBA from Columbia Business School and a Bachelor of Arts from the College of the Holy Cross.

 


JEGI Completes Eight Transactions in First Quarter 2008
The Leader in Media and Information M&A