Company Profile

YooMedia plc is one of the fastest growing interactive entertainment companies in the UK.
Since 1997 we have been developing and launching leading B2C consumer brands in the gaming and community sectors. We also work in a B2B capacity with leading brand owners, agencies, content developers and broadcasters to design and develop their interactive content strategies.

Led by Executive Chairman Dr. Michael Sinclair and Group Managing Director Neil MacDonald, YooMedia has assembled a highly experienced management team that possesses a unique blend of skills and experience in the areas of Digital TV, Internet and mobile phone services and technology.

With main office locations in London, Exeter and Maidstone, YooMedia manages core assets including:

Over 30 office locations throughout the UK alone

State-of-the-art studio, production and post-production facilities at our Wapping location.

UK broadcast return path & bandwidth owner

Fully fledged UK Bookmaker License

Database with over 350K UK singles

SMS Engine access with international reach

Fully staffed 50 seat Customer Contact Centre in Maidstone, Kent

YooMedia Dating & Chat - Our dating subsidiary company manages the oldest and largest UK-owned dating brands including Dateline, Club Sirius and Avenues. YooMedia Dating has over 20 office locations throughout the UK and also manages YooChat, our world-leading interactive chat service found on UK digital cable on the Telewest platform (platform extensions planned for 2005).

YooMedia Gambling & Games - Combining the brands of Avago and Channel 425 (in partnership with William Hill) YooMedia is on the leading-edge of interactive fixed odds, casino and poker gambling services for digital TV, the web and 3G mobile phones. Our gaming business also manages YooPlay, the only interactive just for fun games channel found on all four Digital TV platforms in the United Kingdom.

YooMedia Enhanced Solutions (YES) - YES works with brand owners, agencies, content owners and broadcasters to clarify the options, define the strategies and deliver the interactive content that enhances consumer and audience experiences. YES customers include the BBC, Nestle, Celador, William Hill, Channel 4, ZipTV, The Cartoon Network and HR Owen.

Dil - off topic (sorry guys)

When you get abusive mail from squelchers - does it take 3 attempts before they get there?

Is it me or the squelcher who needs counselling? :S

Only asking as a total novice :)

Well said pth

One of the plays of the week according to MAM homepage!!!

anybody read the article in share mag today on YOO?

YOO have a big spread in todays Shares mag with a BUY recommendation and short term target back to 10p.

Good comments about costs savings this year of some 4.5 million and Neil McDonald really getting a grip on teh company and turning teh turnover into profit.

Cites teh example of the huge database for dateline that is now growing very fast online and mobile content too.

Suggests two months for cash flow positive and enough cash to take through to profitability next year with loss around 4 million for this full year then profits rising 1-2 million and upwards next.

Also talks of the opportunities of deregulation 2007 and all the other great things YOO are into. Potential still as big but management right now, infrastructure all in place and bring on the profits and share price rise.

Thanks for the info mactavish. Maybe my comments to the YOO derampers in post 2705 yesterday were not that far wrong.
" after all some of the comments passed on this thread could be right and i also would like some more comment from YOO on their current cashflow performance.However if they were still "burning" cash at the rate suggested from the first half report then they would have already run out of cash in the first three months of the second half(ie Jul,aug,sep) so they must be at least level on cash flow? Other than the potential cash flow issue why were the results bad? I could be wrong but it is sounding a little like woe woe and thrice woe or put another way "we are doomed Captain Mainwaring"......are we?
PM come back from what mactavish says they are cashflow positive in second half of this year with growing sales. I make it 1-0 to you and the games only just started for YOO.

Dunno choccy , I've never upset anyone .... tosser

roflmao

Will Hi,

Thanks, sounds good to me anyway :)

Ignore the bashers, they just talk drivel 24/7

Cheers,
PM

Today Dil is the ice queen the ice toy is being used on the dil to cool of his shorts that are on fire. LOL!!!!!!

Only thing burning here is investors cash.

Gull Hi,

LOL !!!!

PM

Is this the new Tadpole thread?

Yes

NTL buying Telewest for 3.4B, just announced on SKY news.

More customers for YOO!

http://www.cableforum.co.uk/article/198/ntl-and-telewest-merge

NTL Incorporated (NASDAQ: NTLI) and Telewest Global, Inc. (NASDAQ: TLWT) announced today a definitive merger agreement under which ntl will acquire Telewest, creating the U.K.s second largest communications company and leading triple play service provider with a cable footprint covering more than 50 per cent of U.K. households. The combined company will have nearly 5 million residential customers.

It will be the largest provider of residential broadband services in the country with 2.5 million subscribers, the second largest pay TV provider with 3.3 million subscribers and also the second largest fixed telephony provider with 4.3 million subscribers.

The combination of the two companies local access networks, which do not overlap, will provide a strong platform allowing for product differentiation and innovation and the delivery of unique packages of service offerings. The combined company will have the benefit of a much larger cable network and, together with Telewests content division, will strengthen cables position in the multi-channel TV marketplace. Additionally, the transaction will create substantial synergies and provide the impetus for increased product and technical innovation.

Consumers will benefit from greater choice, accelerated delivery of a broader range of personalised communications and entertainment services and even better value. On an unaudited pro forma basis for the twelve months ended June 30, 2005, the combined company would have had revenues of 3.4 billion (before adjustments) and operating income before depreciation amortisation and other charges (OCF) of 1.2 billion (before adjustments). The combination will benefit from strong cash flows underpinned by tangible cost and capex synergies, which are expected to make the transaction significantly cash accretive in 2006, before restructuring costs, and significantly cash accretive after all costs from 2007 onwards.

Under the terms of the transaction, approved by the boards of both companies, Telewest shareholders will receive $16.25 in cash and 0.115 shares of ntl stock for each common share of Telewest they own, for a total consideration currently valued at approximately $6 billion or approximately $23.93 per share. On this basis, upon completion Telewest shareholders will own approximately 25 per cent of the enlarged ntl. The transaction is subject to U.K. regulatory approvals, approval by the shareholders of both companies and other customary closing conditions. It is expected to close in the first quarter of 2006.

The Board of the enlarged company will consist of all the current directors of ntl plus two directors from Telewest. James Mooney will be Chairman of the Board of Directors, Anthony (Cob) Stenham will be Deputy Chairman and Simon Duffy will be the President and Chief Executive Officer. Telewests Acting Chief Executive Officer, Barry Elson, will leave the company upon the completion of the transaction and Telewests Chief Operating Officer, Eric Tveter, will leave the company at the end of 2006. Their agreement to stay during the coming months will allow Telewest to continue to benefit from their management and advice
during the completion of the transaction and subsequent integration programme.

Simon Duffy, Chief Executive Officer of ntl, commented: This is a transforming transaction for the U.K. cable industry. It marks not just the culmination of a decade of consolidation but, more importantly, the creation of a new competitive force in the communications and entertainment sectors in the U.K. By sharing best practices across ntl and Telewest and by promoting innovation and leadership, the company will focus on enhancing dual and triple play penetration, improving sales and marketing effectiveness and driving customer centricity and service quality. This is a significant value creation opportunity for shareholders.

Celador - International Deals - Good news for Yoomedia, and the Walkaway format, that Celador are introducing into the broadcast stream worldwide.

17 August 2005
WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE?: THE GLOBAL PHENOMENON CONTINUES



Celador International today announces a further four licensing deals for global quiz phenomenon, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?. Star Plus, Antena 3, TV4 and MBC renew their license of Celador Internationals Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? quiz format for viewers in Spain, India, Sweden and the Middle East.

In India, the new series launched last month on Star Plus, with the return of the Bollywood star host, Amitabh Bachchan and the prize money doubled to twenty million rupees. Star Plus ratings for the slot in which Millionaire was broadcast, grew by 383% as 16 million people tuned in to watch the first episode. Star Plus dominated the slot with the format, commanding almost 60% audience share, more than double the percentage achieved in the previous week. Star Plus commissioned a new series of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? after the quiz format revolutionised primetime TV in India, and made Star Plus the highest-rated Hindi-language satellite channel in India when it was first broadcast in 2000.

After being off-air for almost four years in Spain, Celador International has licensed the Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? format to Martingala who will co-produce a brand new series with Celador International, commissioned by Antena 3. Celador International originally licensed the quiz format to Telecinco, who last aired the show in 2001, stripped the format daily and achieved a peak audience share of 36.1%. Antena 3 has commissioned a series of 44 x 45-minute episodes, which will go on-air this month.

Celador International has also licensed a new series of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? to TV4 in Sweden, who originally aired the format in 2003 achieving a massive peak audience share of 66.3%. The new series consisting of 80 x 60-minute episodes will be combined with the Swedish Postcode lottery, and will broadcast weekly on Friday and Saturday nights from September 2005.

MBC in the Middle East, has also licensed a brand new series of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?. The quiz format returns to the television screens of the Middle East after an absence of two years since the original series broadcast in 2003. The new series of 30 52-minute episodes will launch in November 2005.

Adrian Woolfe, Managing Director, Celador International says, The new launch and return of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? to millions of viewers, reinforces the strength of the format and its ability to deliver for broadcasters, advertisers and of course, viewers.

Regards

mactavish

I have not noticed them using the walkaway option in the latest series of who wants to be a millionaire. If I am correct then I take it they cannot be impressed with the walkaway concept & will thus not be likely to roll it out when they expand.

Poes. Walkaway is not used for charity shows as the last 2 shows were for charity.

mactavish

thanks for clearing that up.

Courtsey of Gingermagician.



Thanks for the following guys who came along to the meeting:

Axe79 + 1
Jerry
PaulSmith
HankB
Thedawn
Malkie
Zabbadan
Ajit

Thanks to Neil McDonald and Eddie Abrams. A special thanks to Michael Sinclair for rushing back from his Jewish holiday just to speak to us.

The Directors took advice before meeting with us. They advised us that they were of the view that all shareholders should be treated equally - and that is why we were invited to see the same presentation as the analysts the week before. The meeting started with Michael Sinclair asking us permission to tape the meeting to satisfy AIM authorities. The Company went to great lengths to record the entire meeting so they have a record should they get any problems from the regulators. Before any of us spoke/asked a question we had to state our name.

MS told us that there would be a presentation followed by an opportunity to ask questions at the end. The presentation was EXACTLTY the same as was given to analysts last week and was, despite what some folk say here, was positively received by them. The company have been approached by another broker house, which was particularly impressed, and which will hopefully start coverage shortly.

The aim of the presentation was pretty clear. This was to clearly define to us, the shareholders, exactly what the company does. I think since it was put to MS at the last meeting, the company has gone out of its way to make this evident.

The presentation lasted about an hour. It is therefore difficult to remember everything and despite what Paul says, I do not have a photographic memory.

YooMedia is probably the fastest growing interactive entertainment company in the UK. The company is nearly profitable at the moment, even without significant WH and Broadband TV contributions. The aim is to become cashflow positive over the next couple of months and MS said he was relaxed and happy with the way matters are progressing. I personally have relayed the fact previously that the WH deal is YOOs biggest to date. William Hill themselves approached Yoomedia to provide its interactive expertise. William Hill have taken advantage of the red button technology - a fantastic asset to have, for the reason that William Hill are able to hide their transactions from the competitive eye of BSKYB who obviously has a vested interest in betting via its betting channels. The William Hill betting shop revenue will come in from January 2006. This was reason for the Trading Statement in June and so therefore will make a big difference to the games and gambling side of the business. We were told that William Hill are very keen for the relationship to succeed and are extremely happy with Yoomedias capability. We were reminded that Yoomedia OWN and RUN channel 425 for William Hill.

Jerry had to leave early and asked, rather cheekily, whether MS wanted some more money from him! From MS, we felt pretty comfortable that the company will not prostitute itself to a placing at these levels solely for working capital requirements. A rights issue or placing has NEVER been discussed and the company are happy with the current financial position. The Boards interests are firmly aligned with those of shareholders and any dilution at these levels would hit all shareholders (including the board) hard in the pockets. They seem confident that they will make it through to cash flow +tve without the need to dilute any holders. Likewise I am also comfortable that they remain focused on the priorities they are already working on and will not get distracted in an arena which is awash with new cash gobbling ideas & opportunities. The benefit for shareholders of being taken over by a bigger & better funded parent was also raised. Great answer from MS - everything can be for sale, but depends on the price. Paul also tried his luck by putting his 3 figure into the arena and MSs response was that he might be tempted!

The cost-cutting and integration seems to have gone very well, but this will not reflect in the company finances for another six months or so. Neil McDonald, who did a fantastic job at Dixons (PCWorld was his brainchild) has managed to save more than actually was initially planned. Neil seems very focused on cost cutting and profitability and is prepared to cut what doesn't work. Confirmation that Yoomedia are indeed the biggest UK independent Interactive powerhouse, second only to BSKYB. Neil stated that future aims are to secure longer contracts with reputable clients to drive the bottomline. I was very encouraged by this.

The dating business is doing well. Confirmation also that as the most established dating service in the UK, it has the largest data base of active singles. The biggest brands Dateline (fun end of the market, 15 per month) and Avenues (900 per person) compliment each other well. These should continue to generate the company money as the contract with 3G and mobile video dating takes off. There has been great initial take up of this. This should increase further as the take up of 3G phones increases. 3 are doing nearly all the marketing. The appointment of Josie Adams as Chief Executive of YooMedia, Dating, was a big result for Yoomedia. There is no-one bigger in the field. She knows how media and interactive businesses work and she was the mastermind behind the success of dating and personals business of Yahoo! Europe.

YooMedia Enhanced Solutions (YES) and Yoomedia Public Sector have so far been a great success. YES customers (BBC, Nestle, Celador, William Hill, Channel 4, etc.) are very impressed and the client list is growing. The NHS Direct contract is the first and biggest contract of its kind in the world. The company works closely with Government departments especially the Department of Health. Two top executives run these businesses and hopefully this part of the business will continue to grow.

The tie-up/relationship with ICTV is an extremely important one. ICTV have invested more than $100 million dollars in the Broadband TV/interactivity technology. Yes, $100 million! Very pleased with the Broadband TV presentation, and the partnership that exists with ICTV, this will be a success due to the fact that NTL can integrate the service with immediate effect after the trial if successful - I believe it will be, especially with the partners involved. The question of the Telewest merger was raised and this can only benefit Yoomedia as the Broadband TV potential takeup increases. The trial with NTL will last a minimum of 30 days and then hopefully a deal will be struck with NTL at some point. The fact that it all relies on a server at the Cable Company's end and not on the STB, and given the assortment of set top boxes out there, the proposition is as future proof as you can get. This was the most impressive thing for me and is miles quicker and better than my Sky services at present. With $100m spent by ICTV IMO it is only a matter of time before this technology rolls out over the pond.

A lot of folk have commented on Yooplay TV. The board are well aware of the current content and there should be some major changes very shortly. The relationship with Channel 5 and Endemol is a very important one. The trial has gone very well and the first endpoint has passed successfully. We may get an update regarding this at some point. Certainly, the cross promotion between channel 5 and Yooplay has been invaluable and is unique. All indications that all is well there regarding customer take up. Furthermore, very interested to hear that they have spare capacity on the Freeview Channel 53, which sounds like it is going to be put to good commercial use. It was also stressed that Yoomedia have excellent relationships with BBC, Channel 5, ITV and Channel 4. Infact, Yoomedia is the preferred supplier of interactive services to these channels and is responsible for all the interactive advertising for Channel 4. Yoomedia aim to take further advantage of their patented Time Stamping patented technology and this is potentially a big revenue generator. Avago is also doing extremely well and it is the aim of the company to promote success on TV, online and mobile. The Board are excited by the synergistic possibilities for use of technology between brands and platforms in all parts of the business. This is only just being exploited and should also add low cost growth very quickly.

So many other points but I am knackered guys. The other guys feel free to fill in the blanks. Thanks again to all the guys who attended and those who emailed me. I am confident that this company has turned the corner. There seems to be plenty of newsflow to come from Yoo over the coming months. I would say that sub 8p is an excellent buying price.