Aspen Marketing Services Creates Dominant Position in Automotive CRM

WEST CHICAGO, Ill.--Aspen Marketing Services, the nation’s largest privately-held marketing services agency, today announced its acquisition of the operating assets of Newgen Results Corporation (Newgen), a nationwide provider of integrated, multi-channel CRM solutions for automobile dealerships and manufacturers. The acquisition enhances Aspen’s current industry-leading CRM capabilities for the automotive sector.

“This acquisition creates unparalleled scale in automotive CRM,” said Patrick O’Rahilly, Chief Executive Officer of Aspen Marketing. “As a former auto dealer, I understand the importance of consistent, timely and personal communication. Knowing and understanding your customer increases loyalty, retention and profitability.”

The purchased assets and related customer contracts will become part of Aspen effective immediately. Bob Kurilko, who was previously Vice President of Marketing and Operations at Newgen, will become Executive Vice President and General Manager of the new operating unit at Aspen. A 22-year veteran in the automotive industry, Kurilko was previously with Edmunds.com and Nissan Motor Company. Kurilko and his team will be based in San Diego, CA.

As a result of the transaction, Aspen will acquire relationships with more than 1,800 automotive dealerships across the United States and Canada, expanding the company’s multi-channel offerings including inbound and outbound call center, pre-recorded messaging, e-mail and direct mail solutions.

“This deal complements Aspen’s current best-in-class offerings,” said Cathy Lang, Chief Operating Officer of Aspen Marketing. “We are now in a unique position to provide the most comprehensive and efficient CRM resources for more than 4,500 dealerships we serve nationwide.”

Newgen is the second transaction by Aspen in the last 90 days. The company purchased the Townsend Agency, a leading digital and relationship marketing firm, in July 2007.

About Aspen Marketing Services

Founded in 1986, Aspen Marketing Services is the largest privately-held marketing services agency in the United States. Headquartered in West Chicago, IL, with offices in Atlanta, Detroit, Los Angeles, Dallas, New York City, Phoenix, Morristown, NJ, Rosemont, IL, San Diego and Tampa, Aspen Marketing has more than 780 employees nationwide. Aspen Marketing offers an extensive array of integrated, best-in-class services including Direct Marketing, Consumer Promotions and Premiums, Event Marketing, Public Relations, Digital Marketing and Database Analytics for clients such as General Motors, AT&T, Honeywell, Motorola, HP, Georgia-Pacific, Mutual of Omaha, Kraft Foods, JVC and Omaha Steaks. www.aspenms.com.