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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment
No. )
| Filed
by the Registrant x |
| |
| Filed
by a Party other than the Registrant ¨ |
| |
| Check
the appropriate box: |
| ¨ |
Preliminary
Proxy Statement |
| ¨ |
Confidential,
for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
| ¨ |
Definitive
Proxy Statement |
| ¨ |
Definitive
Additional Materials |
| x |
Soliciting
Material under §240.14a-12 |
LIVERAMP HOLDINGS, INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
| x |
No
fee required. |
| ¨ |
Fee
paid previously with preliminary materials. |
| ¨ |
Fee computed
on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. |
The following contains an employee FAQ sheet made available to
employees of Registrant on May 17, 2026.
Employee FAQ
| ● | We
announced that LiveRamp has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Publicis,
a global leader in communications, for $38.50 per share in cash. |
| ● | This
is a significant moment for LiveRamp – one that reflects the strength of our business,
the importance of our mission and, above all, the hard work and dedication of this team. |
| ● | We
expect the transaction to close before year-end 2026, subject to regulatory approvals, approval
by LiveRamp shareholders and other closing conditions. |
| ● | Once
the transaction is completed, LiveRamp will operate as an independent business within Publicis,
and Scott Howe will continue to lead LiveRamp as CEO. |
| ● | Until
the transaction closes, the most important thing we can all do is stay focused on our day-to-day
responsibilities and continue delivering for our customers and partners. |
| 2. | Who is Publicis Groupe? Why are they the right partner for LiveRamp
and why is this the right next step in our journey? |
| ● | We
have long respected Publicis as a leader in the industry as well as a valued partner of LiveRamp. |
| ● | Today’s
announcement is a natural next step in that relationship. |
| ● | Publicis
has a strong track record of investing in businesses with significant potential, and we’re
confident that they’re the right strategic partner to help us expand our global presence,
accelerate our next phase of growth, and bring our technology to more customers and partners
around the world. |
| ● | Together,
LiveRamp and Publicis have an exciting opportunity as AI reshapes how companies use data
to create value. |
| ● | As
AI evolves toward more agentic applications, we’re confident that LiveRamp and Publicis
will help enable customers to unlock even greater value through data co-creation and accelerate
their business transformations. |
| 3. | Why enter this transaction with Publicis instead of continuing
as strategic partners? |
| ● | We
have long respected Publicis as a leader in the industry as well as a valued partner of LiveRamp. |
| ● | Our
existing partnership built a foundation of understanding across our businesses and teams. |
| ● | This
acquisition will allow us to unlock deeper collaboration and growth opportunities for both
businesses. |
| 4. | How will LiveRamp and Epsilon operate within Publicis? |
| ● | Following
close, LiveRamp and Epsilon will operate as separate entities within Publicis. |
| ● | LiveRamp
is a technology company, and post-close, our financials will be reported within the Technology
segment at Publicis. |
| ● | Epsilon
is a managed service that enables direct consumer engagement and marketing activation. |
| 5. | What does this transaction mean for LiveRamp’s strategy? |
| ● | This
transaction is about a change of ownership, not a change of strategy. |
| ● | Our
mission, customer-first approach and values that have guided our success remain as important
as ever. |
| ● | Once
the transaction is completed, LiveRamp will operate as an independent business within Publicis,
and Scott Howe will continue to lead LiveRamp as CEO. |
| ● | We
are committed to maintaining operational neutrality and abiding by an independence charter
focused on open access, privacy and pricing controls and are confident that this structure
will enable us to do just that. |
| ● | We
look forward to our next chapter with Publicis while we continue to execute against the same
mission and customer commitments that have defined our success. |
| 6. | What does this announcement mean for employees? |
| ● | We
believe this transaction is an important next step in LiveRamp’s journey, and we expect
it to benefit all of our stakeholders, including our team members. |
| ● | Publicis
recognizes the value of what we have built, the strength of our team and the valuable role
LiveRamp plays across the ecosystem. |
| ● | Following
the completion of the transaction, LiveRamp will operate as an independent business within
Publicis, and Scott Howe will continue to lead LiveRamp as CEO. |
| ● | Furthermore,
as part of a more global company with additional resources, we look forward to expanded growth
and development opportunities for our team. |
| ● | Importantly,
this is just the beginning of the process to bring our companies together. Until the transaction
is completed, it is business as usual for all of us and there are no changes to how we operate. |
| ● | We’ll
continue to communicate openly as we move through this process. |
| 7. | What are the next steps in this process? |
| ● | We
expect the transaction to close before year-end 2026, subject to regulatory approvals, approval
by LiveRamp’s shareholders and other closing conditions. |
| ● | Until
then, LiveRamp and Publicis will remain separate companies. |
| ● | There
is a dedicated team focused on this process to complete the transaction, as well as on integration
planning and how to best bring our two companies together. |
| ● | While
this work remains underway, the most important thing we can all do is stay focused on our
day-to-day responsibilities and continue delivering for our customers and partners. |
| 8. | What do I tell customers who ask me about this transaction? |
| ● | You
can share that – while we’re looking forward to the benefits that Publicis will
provide – until the transaction closes, LiveRamp and Publicis will remain separate
companies, and it is business as usual. |
| ● | Post-close,
LiveRamp will operate as an independent business within Publicis, and Scott Howe will continue
to lead as CEO. |
| ● | We
are confident that this structure will allow us to preserve openness, interoperability and
a customer-first approach. |
| ● | If
you are not prepared to answer a specific question, be prepared to punt it, for example,
"We're happy to provide you with more specifics as we move forward.” |
| 9. | Will this transaction impact LiveRamp’s hiring? |
| ● | It
is business as usual at LiveRamp, and as we've previously communicated, we will continue
to hire. |
| ● | We
regularly review headcount as part of our normal course operation of the business, and we
will continue to make adjustments as appropriate to meet the needs of the Company. |
| ● | Regarding
today’s announcement, it is still very early in the process, and many details have
yet to be worked out. |
| ● | That
said, Publicis recognizes the value of what we have built, the strength of our team and the
valuable role LiveRamp plays across the data ecosystem. |
| ● | We
expect that operating as part of a more global company with additional resources will provide
expanded growth and development opportunities for our team. |
| 10. | What is happening to my equity grants? |
| ● | At
the closing of the transaction, LiveRamp’s time-based equity awards will convert into
time-based cash awards based on the per share price payable by Publicis in the transaction
($38.50 per share) and the number of LiveRamp shares subject to the equity award at closing. |
| ● | These
cash awards will continue to vest following close in accordance with the same terms that
applied to the LiveRamp equity award prior to closing. We will share additional details regarding
the treatment of equity awards in the coming days as appropriate. |
| 11. | What will happen to my current vested LiveRamp stock? |
| ● | All LiveRamp shareholders will receive $38.50 in cash per share
upon close of the transaction. |
| 12. | What will happen to my stock that vests between now and close? |
| ● | Until the transaction closes, LiveRamp and Publicis will remain
separate companies, and LiveRamp will continue to operate much as we do today. |
| ● | That means that all stock grants will continue to vest in line
with previous schedules. |
| 13. | Does this transaction impact compensation and employee benefits? |
| ● | Until
the transaction closes, LiveRamp and Publicis will remain separate companies, and LiveRamp
will continue to operate much as we do today. |
| ● | Publicis has also agreed to keep employees’ total base
salary, bonus opportunity and benefits substantially comparable for a period of at least
one year after the closing. |
| 14. | What does this transaction mean for the LiveRamp management
team? |
| ● | This
transaction is about a change of ownership, not a change of strategy. |
| ● | Until
the transaction closes, LiveRamp and Publicis will remain separate companies. |
| ● | Following
close, LiveRamp will operate as an independent business within Publicis, and Scott Howe will
continue to lead LiveRamp as CEO. |
| 15. | Will LiveRamp’s headquarters remain in San Francisco? |
| ● | Yes,
LiveRamp’s headquarters will remain in San Francisco. |
| 16. | Can I post about the news on social media? |
| ● | As
a public company, there are strict Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”)
rules that govern what and how we are able to share information on social media about this
transaction. |
| ● | While
team members can share and “like” posts that are sponsored by LiveRamp and the
leadership team, they should refrain from creating new content or posting personal commentary,
speculation or opinions about the transaction so that we can all comply with SEC rules. |
| ● | If
you are in doubt, please contact the Communications team via email: PR@liveramp.com. |
| 17. | What does this mean for LiveRamp’s global expansion in
India? |
| ● | LiveRamp’s
globalization efforts, including our global expansion in India, remain an important part
of the Company, and there are no immediate changes tied to today’s announcement. |
| ● | As
we look ahead, we believe this transaction better positions LiveRamp to pursue growth opportunities globally, and we will share updates
as we move forward. |
| 18. | Can I communicate with Publicis employees prior to the transaction
closing? |
| ● | If
your normal day-to-day responsibilities include communicating with Publicis, then it is important
to continue those communications in a business as usual manner until the transaction closes. |
| ● | You
should refrain from discussing or providing information to Publicis beyond what you provide
in the ordinary course today, without first checking with legal counsel. |
| ● | We
expect the transaction to close before year-end 2026, subject to regulatory approvals, approval
by LiveRamp’s shareholders and other closing conditions. |
| ● | Until
that time, LiveRamp and Publicis will remain separate companies. |
| 19. | Are we still having our “Best Self Day” this Friday? |
| ● | Yes!
LiveRamp is continuing to operate as normal, and this Friday’s “Best Self Day”
is happening as previously scheduled. |
| 20. | Are we still having SummerRamp? |
| ● | Yes!
We’re continuing to operate as normal and expect to host SummerRamp. More details on
SummerRamp will be shared within the next week. |
19. Are there any restrictions on buying or selling LiveRamp or
Publicis stock?
| ● | There are restrictions, and how they apply is similar to what
always applies: You should never trade when you are aware of material nonpublic information
(MNPI) whether about LiveRamp, Publicis or any other company . And, today no one should trade
as we are in a Black Out period. |
| ● | Although the proposed acquisition transaction was publicly announced
today, many people may continue to have access to MNPI relating to LiveRamp, the proposed
transaction, Publicis as the acquiring company, regulatory approvals, integration planning,
financial performance, customer matters, timing and important employment-related issues. |
| ● | The definition of MNPI is broad; it includes information that
has not been publicly disclosed that a reasonable investor would likely consider important
in making an investment decision. |
| ● | As always, all of us must continue to comply with our Insider
Trading Policy and may not trade in the securities of either LiveRamp or Publicis while aware
of Material Non-Public Information, |
| ● | Existing blackout and pre-clearance procedures remain in effect
unless the Legal Department specifically advises otherwise. |
| ● | Please remember that all nonpublic information concerning the
transaction and the parties involved must be kept strictly confidential and should not be
discussed externally, including on social media or with family members or friends. |
| ● | If you have any questions regarding trading activity or confidentiality
obligations, please contact the Legal Department before taking any action. |
20. If I am not a leader
and work in engineering or product and don't know anything about this and have equity vesting this week on Tuesday or later this week,
can I sell it?
| ● | If all you know about this on Tuesday is what we are putting
in the FAQs, Scott’s Town Hall or have publicly released, yes. |
Forward-Looking Statements
This communication contains forward-looking statements
within the meaning of, and subject to the protections of, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, concerning Publicis, LiveRamp, the proposed transaction and other matters. Forward-looking
statements contained herein could include, among other things, statements regarding the anticipated timing of the consummation of the
proposed transaction; statements about management’s confidence in and strategies for performance of the combined businesses; expectations
for new and existing products, technologies and opportunities; and expectations regarding growth, sales, cash flows, and earnings. Forward-looking
statements can be identified by the use of such terms as “may,” “could,” “expect,” “anticipate,”
“intend,” “believe,” “likely,” “estimate,” “outlook,” “plan,”
“contemplate,” “project,” “target” or other comparable terms. These forward-looking statements are
not guarantees of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements as a result of a number
of risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside the parties’ control. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ
materially from the forward-looking statements in this communication including, but not limited to: (1) failure of the closing conditions
in the merger agreement to be satisfied, or any unexpected delay in closing the proposed transaction or the occurrence of any event,
change, or other circumstance that could give rise to the right of one or multiple of the parties to terminate the definitive agreement
between Publicis and LiveRamp; (2) the possibility that the transaction does not close when expected or at all because required regulatory,
shareholder, or other approvals are not received or satisfied on a timely basis or at all; (3) the possibility that the transaction may
be more expensive to complete than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected factors or events, including those resulting from
the announcement, pendency or completion of the transaction; (4) risks that the new businesses will not be integrated successfully or
that the combined companies will not realize estimated cost savings, value of certain tax assets, synergies and growth or that such benefits
may take longer to realize than expected; (5) failure to realize anticipated benefits of the combined operations; (6) risks relating
to unanticipated costs of integration; (7) ability to hire and retain key personnel; (8) ability to successfully integrate the companies’
businesses; (9) the potential impact of announcement or consummation of the proposed transactions on relationships with third parties,
including clients, employees and competitors, including reputational risk; (10) ability to attract new clients and retain existing clients
in the manner anticipated; (11) reliance on and integration of information technology systems; (12) suffering reduced profits or losses
as a result of intense competition; or (13) potential litigation that may be instituted against LiveRamp or its directors or officers
related to the proposed transaction or the merger agreement. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider
the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties that affect the parties’ businesses, including those described in LiveRamp’s
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2025, in Part I “Cautionary Statements Relevant to Forward-Looking Information”
and Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” as updated by subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, which are filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and those described in documents Publicis has filed with the Autorité des Marchés
Financiers (the French securities regulator). The parties do not undertake, nor do they have, any obligation to provide updates or to
revise any forward-looking statements.
NO OFFER OR SOLICITATION
This communication does not constitute an offer
to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale
of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification
under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the
requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and applicable regulations.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND WHERE TO FIND IT
In connection with the proposed transaction,
LiveRamp Holdings, Inc. will be filing documents with the SEC, including preliminary and definitive proxy statements relating to the
proposed transaction (the “proxy statement”). The definitive proxy statement will be mailed to LiveRamp’s shareholders
in connection with the proposed transaction. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING DECISION, INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE
PRELIMINARY AND DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENTS AND ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS TO BE FILED WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION
OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THE PROXY STATEMENT WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT
THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. Any vote in respect of resolutions to be proposed at LiveRamp’s shareholder meeting to approve the proposed
transaction should be made only on the basis of the information contained in LiveRamp’s proxy statement and documents incorporated
by reference therein. Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of these documents (when they are available) and other related
documents filed with the SEC at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or on LiveRamp’s website at www.liveramp.com.
PARTICIPANTS IN THE SOLICITATION
Publicis, LiveRamp and their respective directors
and certain of their respective executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the shareholders
of LiveRamp in respect of the proposed transactions contemplated by the proxy statement. Information regarding the persons who are, under
the rules of the SEC, participants in the solicitation of the shareholders of LiveRamp in connection with the proposed transaction, including
a description of their direct or indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be set forth in the proxy statement when
it is filed with the SEC. Information about the directors and executive officers of LiveRamp and their ownership of shares of LiveRamp
common stock and other securities of LiveRamp can be found in the sections entitled “Nominees and Continuing Directors,”
“Stock Ownership,” “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Compensation Tables,” and “Non-Employee
Director Compensation” included in LiveRamp’s proxy statement in connection with its 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders,
filed with the SEC on June 27, 2025; in the Form 3 and Form 4 initial statements of beneficial ownership and statements of changes in
beneficial ownership filed with the SEC by LiveRamp’s directors and executive officers; and in other documents subsequently filed
by LiveRamp with the SEC, including LiveRamp’s proxy statement relating to the proposed transaction when it becomes available.
Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of these documents and other related documents filed with the SEC at the SEC’s
website at www.sec.gov or on LiveRamp’s website at www.liveramp.com.