Morningstar Europe B.V., a subsidiary of Morningstar, Inc. (NASDAQ: MORN), a leading provider of independent investment research, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a 75 percent ownership interest in Morningstar Danmark A/S from Phosphorus A/S, bringing its ownership to 100 percent. Morningstar will pay Phosphorus A/S U.S. $15.2 million, or approximately DKK 91 million, plus an amount for its share of first-half 2010 net profits. The companies expect to complete the transaction in July, subject to customary closing conditions.
Located in Copenhagen, Morningstar Danmark was established in 2001 by Morningstar Europe and Phosphorus A/S, a Danish company. The company’s main offering is the investment information website for individual investors, Morningstar.dk, which provides fund and ETF data, portfolio tools, and market analysis.
“Together with Phosphorus and the local management team, we’ve been providing investment data and software to the Danish market for more than eight years, and the company already has a well-respected brand in the industry,” said Joe Mansueto, chairman and chief executive officer of Morningstar. “As sole owner, we plan to offer Morningstar’s full suite of products and services to investors in Denmark, and leverage Morningstar’s global reach, investment databases, and technology expertise to better serve our clients. The leadership of Peter Meyer and Torben Bruun has been instrumental in building a solid foundation for Morningstar in Denmark and we look forward to expanding the business with them there.”
Morningstar Danmark has 11 employees based in Copenhagen. Peter Meyer, chief executive officer, and Torben Bruun, chief operating officer, will continue to lead the company.
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