Artefact, an expert in data transformation and data & digital marketing for major brands, announces that its main shareholders, including Mr. François de la Villardière, Chairman of the Board, Mr. Vincent Luciani and Mr. Guillaume de Roquemaurel, co-founders, certain reference shareholders, including Fonds Nobel, Financière Arbevel, Truffle Capital and Otus, as well as several managers and minority shareholders, entered into exclusive negotiations on July 25, 2021 regarding a potential acquisition by Ardian Expansion of 52.09% of the share capital (the "Controlling Block"), for a price of 7.8 euros per ordinary share.

The Board of Directors of Artefact, in a meeting on July 25, 2021, unanimously approved the potential transaction. It will issue its reasoned opinion on the interest of the Offer and its consequences for Artefact, its shareholders and its employees, in particular in the light of the conclusions of the independent expert's report.

Following the completion of the acquisition of the Controlling Block, Ardian Expansion will be required to file a mandatory simplified cash tender offer for the remaining share capital of Artefact at the same price of 7,8 euros per ordinary share (the "Offer").

In the event that the threshold for a squeeze-out is reached following the Offer, Ardian Expansion intends to request the implementation of a squeeze-out of the remaining not tendered Artefact securities pursuant to applicable French laws and regulations.

Leveraging its significant experience in growth acceleration through its global footprint, Ardian Expansion would support Artefact to enter its next phase of business development, notably through international expansion, including strengthening its presence in Europe, in Asia Pacific and the US, through the hiring of senior talented people and top-notch data experts, as well as strategic acquisitions.