Maisberger helps FICO break into German-speaking market

Munich, May 21, 2010 – FICO, the Minneapolis-based specialist in Predictive Analytics, Risk Management and Decision Management, has chosen PR agency Maisberger to provide press and public relations support as it opens for business in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) and sets up a new German subsidiary. Maisberger will be responsible for raising the company’s profile among banks and insurers and communicating the leading position of the company – founded in 1956 –in Analytics, Risk Management and Fraud Management. The Munich-based agency won the bid together with its UK and Spanish partners.

Since FICO is relatively unknown to journalists in the DACH region, the first task is to raise awareness of the company and its activities. Previously known as Fair Isaac until it adopted its present name in 2009, FICO employs 2,200 people in 12 countries and is well-known in its US home market for FICO credit scores. Around 65 % of all credit cards around the world are managed and protected against fraud using FICO solutions. Enhancing the company’s media profile will reflect its leading role in the market.

Steve Astle, Vice President of Corporate Marketing at FICO, explains: “We want to establish a strong local profile while maintaining a globally consistent communication strategy. So the only logical choice was a best-of-breed network with locally established agencies. Maisberger has a successful track record with clients in our core industries and experience of working in international networks. The agency also has an in-depth understanding of technical solutions and the business processes employed by banks and insurers. All of these combined to make it the obvious choice.”

FICO has been a listed company since 1987. In 1996 the company switched from the NASDAQ to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).