TUESDAY MAY 22, 2007

BLACKSTONE GROUP BUYS ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS
Alliance Data Systems Corporation (ADS) a leading provider of loyalty and marketing solutions derived from transaction-rich data, announced it has entered a definitive agreement to be acquired by Blackstone Capital Partners V L.P., an affiliate of The Blackstone Group, in a transaction valued at approximately USD$7.8-billion. The transaction is expected to conclude by year end, contingent upon customary closing conditions. Dallas-based ADS, whose assets include the AIR MILES loyalty program, recently announced a multi-year renewal agreement with Goodyear Canada, a founding sponsor in the AIR MILES program, launched in 1992. Earlier this year, ADS announced that the Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation signed a multi-year agreement to participate as a sponsor in AIR MILES. Learn more: www.alliancedatasystems.com

COVER-ALL ACQUIRES SMART DM
Cover-All Computer Services Corp., a leading provider of technical expertise, managed IT services, document processing for transactional and direct mail, fulfillment and insurance systems, announced the purchase of SMART DM, formerly SMR Tytrek. According to Cover-All, the deal will create a single, umbrella organization that is capable of servicing all the mail communication needs of existing North American clients as well as new prospects. Markham-based Cover-All has been a respected name in data management, processing and laser imaging services for over 40 years, with specialties in the transactional market and variable colour segment. Etobicoke-based SMART DM has decades of experience in large volume letter shop and specialty finishing.

Although there will be some efficiency in process and management across the two plants, the intent is to maintain two distinct facilities, both offering transactional and promotional communications. Mike Coverdale, President of Cover-All, said “Ultimately, it allows clients access to two separately managed, stand-alone facilities, yet with combined expertise going back decades and vast volume capabilities.” John Leonard, Vice-President Sales and Marketing, SMART DM, commented “If you communicate through the mail on any level, Cover-All and SMART DM can now provide solutions.”
Learn more: www.cover-all.ca www.smartdm.ca

PRIVACY COMMISSIONER CALLS FOR NATIONAL TASK FORCE
Canada’s Privacy Commissioner, Jennifer Stoddart, delivered a strong message to the House of Commons Privacy and Ethics Committee, calling for clear leadership to resolve the growing problem of identity theft. According to Stoddart, the government should bring together provinces, police forces, business and other stakeholders to develop a multi-pronged approach. Personal information can be obtained and exploited in numerous ways: when documents, mail, or other material is stolen from an individual’s home or work; when hackers tamper with databases, or use spyware to obtain personal information; when individuals are contacted by criminals posing as financial institutions or contest clearing houses in order o steal personal data; “Pretexting” in which a criminal armed with some information about an individual, is able to obtain additional information about the person from an organization. In her submission, the Privacy Commissioner noted that “Pretexting” can be used on a much larger scale and cites an example of an American company tricked into disclosing information on 150,000 consumers. Read complete submission and recommendations, click here:

FOREST PROTECTION CRUCIAL
Environmental group ForestEthics is proposing an ambitious new conservation agenda and new green business model for the Canadian forest industry in its recently released report, A BRIGHTER SHADE OF GREEN. According to Tzeporah Berman of ForestEthics, protecting Canada’s intact forests is an essential element of a national strategy for re-balancing the carbon budget. Learn more: www.forestethics.com

Daron Rosenbusch (Supremex Inc.) discussed the latest information on eco-friendly best practices and benefits for the mailing industry, the consumer, and the environment at the recent NAMMU round table executive briefing: THE GREEN REPORT. Learn more, click here:

2007 MAGAZINES UNIVERSITY UPDATE
All members are welcome to visit NAMMU booth 113 in the exhibit hall, The Old Mill, June 5-6. Display space is available for member materials at the booth and can be reserved by contacting executive@nammu.org by May 31. The popular MAIL CLINIC will once again be staffed by NAMMU members, and this year’s volunteer DOCs are: Jim Wiseman, Transcontinental; Laura Artibello, Mailennium; Al Blackman and Jim Hill, Wood & Associates Direct Marketing Services Ltd. To view the entire conference: www.magsu.com

NAMMU TORONTO CHAPTER NEWS
Next meeting, June 15, 2007, The Metropolitan Hotel. Agenda items include:

Address Management
Background, Plans, Address Accuracy rules: current and new; Future plans: SERP
Presenters: Paolo Tuscano, Address Management – Data & Systems Support; Gaston Bouchard, Manager Product Management and Support – Data Products; Alexis Zamkow, General Manager Data Products.

BRM
eLabel; 4 state barcode usage for automated billing; proposed changes in artwork for April 2008; open discussion on future enhancements. Presenter: Rachel Carriere, Product Manager, Unaddressed Admail and Business Reply Mail

NAMMU National Council reports:
Transaction Mail Council; VAM Council; Mail Marketing Council

Meeting details and registration form available May 25.

Questions and additional information: cporter@mackenziefinancial.com