http://techcrunch.com/2010/12/21/dachis-group-powered/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Techcrunch+%28TechCrunch%29
Social business services company Dachis Group has made its third acquisition in less than 2 months, and this deal marks the biggest purchase for the company to date. Dachis has picked up social marketing agency Powered along with its operating subsidiaries StepChange Group, Drillteam, and crayon.
The agreement, terms of which were not disclosed, makes Dachis Group the largest Facebook Preferred Developer on the planet, and also expands its presence to New York.
The agency primarily focuses on social marketing campaign, from lining out strategies to planning, program development, content marketing, blogger outreach to branded events.
Powered’s clients include companies like HP, Nike, Ernst and Young, Toys “R” Us, T-Mobile, Toyota, Gillette and Target.
The acquisition of Powered increases Dachis Group’s size to over 220 employees across ten cities, in five countries worldwide. The company recently bought youth marketing consultancy agency Archrival and social marketing applications developer Stuzo.
Dachis Group was founded in 2008, by CEO and chairman Jeffrey Dachis (cofounder and former CEO of Razorfish).
Its growth strategy, which consists of rolling up smaller companies in the social business services space as well as growing organically, is backed by a financial commitment of up to $50 million from Austin Ventures (Dachis Group is headquartered in Austin, Texas).
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Online Ads Pull Ahead of Newspapers
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704443704576026073503437388.html?mod=dist_smartbrief
This year, for the first time, advertisers will have spent more on Internet ads than on print newspaper ads, according to new estimates from eMarketer.
The digital-marketing research firm says U.S. spending on online ads will hit $25.8 billion, surpassing the $22.8 billion spent on print ads in newspapers.
This year, for the first time, advertisers will have spent more on Internet ads than on print newspaper ads, according to new estimates from eMarketer.
The digital-marketing research firm says U.S. spending on online ads will hit $25.8 billion, surpassing the $22.8 billion spent on print ads in newspapers.
Friday, December 17, 2010
MDC Partners Inc. has agreed to acquire Los Angeles-based creative agency 72andSunny
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703507704576021394080686566.html?mod=dist_smartbrief
While relatively small, 72andSunny has managed to lure business from some big-name advertisers, including Hewlett-Packard Co. and Nike Inc. since being founded in 2004. The firm's work includes a corporate ad campaign for H-P that used the tag line "Let's Do Amazing," and a pitch for Nike's soccer business that features a two-minute film directed by Guy Ritchie called "The Next Level."
After six years of being independent, 72andSunny agreed to sell so it could expand overseas (it already has an office in Amsterdam) and beef up on digital capabilities. With MDC's help, "we will be able to grow faster and in a bigger way," says Matt Jarvis, chief strategy officer at 72andSunny.
Terms of the deal weren't disclosed but a person familiar with the matter says the pact includes some cash and an earnout with financial targets for 72andSunny, which could push the purchase price over $20 million. The agency currently has about $28 million in revenue, the person added.
While relatively small, 72andSunny has managed to lure business from some big-name advertisers, including Hewlett-Packard Co. and Nike Inc. since being founded in 2004. The firm's work includes a corporate ad campaign for H-P that used the tag line "Let's Do Amazing," and a pitch for Nike's soccer business that features a two-minute film directed by Guy Ritchie called "The Next Level."
After six years of being independent, 72andSunny agreed to sell so it could expand overseas (it already has an office in Amsterdam) and beef up on digital capabilities. With MDC's help, "we will be able to grow faster and in a bigger way," says Matt Jarvis, chief strategy officer at 72andSunny.
Terms of the deal weren't disclosed but a person familiar with the matter says the pact includes some cash and an earnout with financial targets for 72andSunny, which could push the purchase price over $20 million. The agency currently has about $28 million in revenue, the person added.
AOL Buys Digital Ad Company
http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2010/12/16/aol-buys-digital-ad-company/
AOL Inc. acquired digital advertising company Pictela Inc. on Thursday to bolster its efforts to attract more ad dollars from big brands by selling larger, glitzier ad formats.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but a person familiar with the matter said it was valued at between $20 million and $30 million. Pictela will operate as a business unit within AOL, and its 18 employees will stay on to work at the Internet company.
Founded in 2008, New York-based Pictela creates ads that include high-resolution video, photos, coupons and other interactive components that marketers can update in real time. The ads have appeared across a broad network of sites, including AOL, Yahoo Inc., Pandora, Hearst Corp. and Demand Media.
AOL Inc. acquired digital advertising company Pictela Inc. on Thursday to bolster its efforts to attract more ad dollars from big brands by selling larger, glitzier ad formats.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but a person familiar with the matter said it was valued at between $20 million and $30 million. Pictela will operate as a business unit within AOL, and its 18 employees will stay on to work at the Internet company.
Founded in 2008, New York-based Pictela creates ads that include high-resolution video, photos, coupons and other interactive components that marketers can update in real time. The ads have appeared across a broad network of sites, including AOL, Yahoo Inc., Pandora, Hearst Corp. and Demand Media.
Monday, December 13, 2010
KBM Group acquires Marketing Direct
Direct marketing and data management company KBM Group, a Wunderman company, has acquired Marketing Direct, a provider of agency services to the healthcare industry. The acquisition will form the core of the KBM’s newly launched Health Services group.
Marketing Direct is based in St. Louis, Mo. Terms of the deal, which are subject to regulatory and shareholder approval, were not disclosed.
KBM Group formerly was known as KnowledgeBase Marketing before rebranding itself in October.
http://www.btobonline.com/article/20101209/FREE/101209904/kbm-group-acquires-marketing-direct#seenit
Marketing Direct is based in St. Louis, Mo. Terms of the deal, which are subject to regulatory and shareholder approval, were not disclosed.
KBM Group formerly was known as KnowledgeBase Marketing before rebranding itself in October.
http://www.btobonline.com/article/20101209/FREE/101209904/kbm-group-acquires-marketing-direct#seenit
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Rewards Network Inc. and EGI Affiliate Sign Definitive Merger Agreement
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Rewards-Network-Inc-and-EGI-iw-2410351015.html?x=0&.v=1
Rewards Network Inc. announced today that Rewards Network and EGI Acquisition, L.L.C. ("EGI Acquisition"), an affiliate of Equity Group Investments, L.L.C. ("EGI"), a private investment firm, have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which EGI Acquisition will offer to acquire all of the shares of Rewards Network common stock not owned by EGI Acquisition for $13.75 per share in cash. EGI Acquisition currently owns approximately 14.2% of the outstanding shares of Rewards Network common stock. Certain other affiliates of EGI collectively own approximately 12.1% of the outstanding shares of Rewards Network common stock and have agreed to tender such shares in the offer. The transaction values Rewards Network on a fully diluted share basis at approximately $126 million.
Beringer note: On $12.35M trailing ebitda, multiple is 8.8 on equity value, 10x on enterprise value ($12M excess cash in business)
Rewards Network Inc. announced today that Rewards Network and EGI Acquisition, L.L.C. ("EGI Acquisition"), an affiliate of Equity Group Investments, L.L.C. ("EGI"), a private investment firm, have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which EGI Acquisition will offer to acquire all of the shares of Rewards Network common stock not owned by EGI Acquisition for $13.75 per share in cash. EGI Acquisition currently owns approximately 14.2% of the outstanding shares of Rewards Network common stock. Certain other affiliates of EGI collectively own approximately 12.1% of the outstanding shares of Rewards Network common stock and have agreed to tender such shares in the offer. The transaction values Rewards Network on a fully diluted share basis at approximately $126 million.
Beringer note: On $12.35M trailing ebitda, multiple is 8.8 on equity value, 10x on enterprise value ($12M excess cash in business)
Olson Acquires PR Shop Dig Communications
http://adage.com/agencynews/article?article_id=147503 Olson is acquiring Chicago-based public relations shop Dig Communications in a move that gives Olson its first sizable footprint outside of its home market of Minneapolis.
With the addition of Dig, Olson will swell to more than 360 employees, and nearly 20% of the agency's overall revenue will now be driven by PR. Dig's founder, Peter Marino, becomes president of the newly merged agency's PR practice, which will be rebranded Olson PR. Dig employees will remain in their respective office locations in Chicago, Milwaukee, New York and San Francisco.
Olson's roster includes General Mills, Fifth Third Bank, Northwestern Mutual and Target, while Dig's client list includes MillerCoors, Mars' Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co., Harley Davidson, American Express and PepsiCo's Quaker.
http://www.oco.com/about/news/article/1676-OCO
With the addition of Dig, Olson will swell to more than 360 employees, and nearly 20% of the agency's overall revenue will now be driven by PR. Dig's founder, Peter Marino, becomes president of the newly merged agency's PR practice, which will be rebranded Olson PR. Dig employees will remain in their respective office locations in Chicago, Milwaukee, New York and San Francisco.
Olson's roster includes General Mills, Fifth Third Bank, Northwestern Mutual and Target, while Dig's client list includes MillerCoors, Mars' Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co., Harley Davidson, American Express and PepsiCo's Quaker.
http://www.oco.com/about/news/article/1676-OCO
Creston acquires Cooney/Waters
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Creston-plc-Poised-Acquire-US-Healthcare-Communications-Businesses-over-USD30-Million-1360852.htm
Based in Manhattan, New York, and with a staff of approximately 50 people, Cooney/Waters and Alembic Health Communications (together the "Cooney/Waters Businesses") are specialist communications agencies with an exclusive focus on healthcare and pharmaceutical PR and health advocacy.
The total cash consideration of up to £19.5 million ($30.8 million) is to consist of:
An initial consideration of £5.9 million ($9.4 million) payable on Closing; and
An additional earn-out consideration of up to a maximum £13.5 million ($21.4 million) payable in two instalments based on the averaged combined earnings before interest and tax of the Cooney/Waters Businesses for the periods from Closing to 31 March 2013 and 31 March 2015.
Based in Manhattan, New York, and with a staff of approximately 50 people, Cooney/Waters and Alembic Health Communications (together the "Cooney/Waters Businesses") are specialist communications agencies with an exclusive focus on healthcare and pharmaceutical PR and health advocacy.
The total cash consideration of up to £19.5 million ($30.8 million) is to consist of:
An initial consideration of £5.9 million ($9.4 million) payable on Closing; and
An additional earn-out consideration of up to a maximum £13.5 million ($21.4 million) payable in two instalments based on the averaged combined earnings before interest and tax of the Cooney/Waters Businesses for the periods from Closing to 31 March 2013 and 31 March 2015.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Johnson & Quin acquires direct marketer Compuletter
Direct mail printing and production company Johnson & Quin has acquired Compuletter Inc., which specializes in personalized direct marketing, fulfillment, database and list management services. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
The addition of Compuletter is expected to expand Johnson & Quin's services beyond direct mail, adding such solutions as personalized URLs, microsites, quick-response codes for mobile marketing and integration of social media networks, according to the company.
Last year, Johnson & Quin acquired some assets and customers of InteliMail, a division of Staples Print Solutions, to augment its direct-mail business.
http://www.btobonline.com/article/20101203/FREE/101209963/johnson-quin-acquires-direct-marketer-compuletter
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Capital C & Kenna acquired by MDC
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/marketing-firms-target-us-under-mdc-ownership/article1819700/
Two Toronto-based marketing firms are eyeing a push into the U.S. after being acquired from a struggling income trust by the deep-pocketed communications holding company MDC Partners (MDZ.A-T14.760.261.79%).
MDC, which has been on a buying spree for most of the year, is announcing the acquisition Wednesday of a majority of both Capital C Communications Inc. and the direct-marketing company Kenna, from Newport Partners Holdings LP(NPF.UN-T0.25-0.01-3.85%) which is seeking to pay down debt.
Terms of this week’s acquisitions were not disclosed, but Capital C claimed about $20-million (Canadian) in revenue last year, while Kenna executives said its revenue was “north of that.”
http://www.marketingmag.ca/english/news/agency/article.jsp?content=20101201_100726_2928
After examining various venture capital and personal investment options, Chapman and his fellow partners chose MDC for its model of allowing partner companies to run their own businesses without top-down interference. The deal actually sees Capital C's partners increase their own personal stakes in the company.
"MDC really lets entrepreneurs be entrepreneurs with full autonomy," Chapman said. "We can decide whether we want to crawl, walk or run."
Capital C has it roots in retail and experiential marketing, but has expanded to become more full-service with the addition of research and content creation divisions. With revenues last year reportedly around $20 million, clients include PepsiCo Food & Beverages Canada, Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, Scotiabank, Nissan Canada, Andrew Peller Limited, Cineplex Entertainment, Unilever Canada, McCain Foods Limited and Maple Leaf Foods.
Two Toronto-based marketing firms are eyeing a push into the U.S. after being acquired from a struggling income trust by the deep-pocketed communications holding company MDC Partners (MDZ.A-T14.760.261.79%).
MDC, which has been on a buying spree for most of the year, is announcing the acquisition Wednesday of a majority of both Capital C Communications Inc. and the direct-marketing company Kenna, from Newport Partners Holdings LP(NPF.UN-T0.25-0.01-3.85%) which is seeking to pay down debt.
Terms of this week’s acquisitions were not disclosed, but Capital C claimed about $20-million (Canadian) in revenue last year, while Kenna executives said its revenue was “north of that.”
http://www.marketingmag.ca/english/news/agency/article.jsp?content=20101201_100726_2928
After examining various venture capital and personal investment options, Chapman and his fellow partners chose MDC for its model of allowing partner companies to run their own businesses without top-down interference. The deal actually sees Capital C's partners increase their own personal stakes in the company.
"MDC really lets entrepreneurs be entrepreneurs with full autonomy," Chapman said. "We can decide whether we want to crawl, walk or run."
Capital C has it roots in retail and experiential marketing, but has expanded to become more full-service with the addition of research and content creation divisions. With revenues last year reportedly around $20 million, clients include PepsiCo Food & Beverages Canada, Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, Scotiabank, Nissan Canada, Andrew Peller Limited, Cineplex Entertainment, Unilever Canada, McCain Foods Limited and Maple Leaf Foods.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Apax Partners has agreed to acquire Advantage Sales and Marketing
http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2010/11/25/private-equity-firm-may-buy-marketer/?nl=business&emc=dlbka31
Apax Partners has agreed to acquire Advantage Sales and Marketing from J.W. Childs and BAML Capital Partners, the latest large leveraged buyout in which a company passes from one private equity group to another.
The deal values Advantage at about $1.8 billion, according to a person close to the deal who requested anonymity because he was unauthorized to discuss it publicly.
Apax will acquire about 85 percent of the company, with Advantage’s existing management owning the rest.
Advantage, based in Irvine, Calif., is a leading sales and marketing agency for consumer goods, working with clients like J.M. Smucker and Johnson & Johnson to maximize the value of their brands.
The company has about $1 billion in annual revenue and is expected to generate about $180 million in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization this year, according to this person.
J.W. Childs and BAML Capital Partners, formerly Merrill Lynch Global Private Equity, acquired closely held Advantage in 2006 for $1.05 billion. The firms are expected to make roughly three times their cash investment on the deal, which is expected to close by year-end.
Apax Partners has agreed to acquire Advantage Sales and Marketing from J.W. Childs and BAML Capital Partners, the latest large leveraged buyout in which a company passes from one private equity group to another.
The deal values Advantage at about $1.8 billion, according to a person close to the deal who requested anonymity because he was unauthorized to discuss it publicly.
Apax will acquire about 85 percent of the company, with Advantage’s existing management owning the rest.
Advantage, based in Irvine, Calif., is a leading sales and marketing agency for consumer goods, working with clients like J.M. Smucker and Johnson & Johnson to maximize the value of their brands.
The company has about $1 billion in annual revenue and is expected to generate about $180 million in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization this year, according to this person.
J.W. Childs and BAML Capital Partners, formerly Merrill Lynch Global Private Equity, acquired closely held Advantage in 2006 for $1.05 billion. The firms are expected to make roughly three times their cash investment on the deal, which is expected to close by year-end.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
ARGI, iPacesetters merge
http://www.btobonline.com/article/20101123/FREE/101129979/argi-ipacesetters-merge#seenit
ARGI, which provides audience development, lead generation and marketing technology, and iPacesetters, which operates call centers, announced Monday that they have merged under the name of iPacesetters. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The merged company will offer unified, transactional databases combined with performance-based call centers. Ray Butkus, currently ARGI's CEO, will be CEO of iPacesetters. Frank Royal, currently president of iPacesetters, will continue in that role at the newly combined company.
Gerry DeBiasi, partner of Kidd & Co. and executive chairman of iPacesetters will also continue in his role.
iPacesetters is primarily owned by Kidd & Co. and fellow private equity fund Shore Points Capital
ARGI, which provides audience development, lead generation and marketing technology, and iPacesetters, which operates call centers, announced Monday that they have merged under the name of iPacesetters. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The merged company will offer unified, transactional databases combined with performance-based call centers. Ray Butkus, currently ARGI's CEO, will be CEO of iPacesetters. Frank Royal, currently president of iPacesetters, will continue in that role at the newly combined company.
Gerry DeBiasi, partner of Kidd & Co. and executive chairman of iPacesetters will also continue in his role.
iPacesetters is primarily owned by Kidd & Co. and fellow private equity fund Shore Points Capital
WPP acquires the TAXI creative network
http://www.wpp.com/wpp/press/press/default.htm?guid=%7Ba0061ab7-87e0-4f84-96f4-f77c47fd08fb%7D
http://www.marketingmag.ca/english/news/agency/article.jsp?content=20101119_145048_5932
WPP (NASDAQ: WPPGY) announced today that it is acquiring the TAXI creative network.
TAXI, founded in 1992 in Montreal by Paul Lavoie and partner Jane Hope, has built its reputation on its highly innovative creative work. It has five offices in Canada, as well as an agency in New York and one in Amsterdam.
The TAXI leadership team will continue to drive the organization, with Lavoie retaining his role as Chairman and Rob Guenette serving as TAXI's CEO. Paul will report to Peter Stringham, who is Chairman and CEO of Young & Rubicam Brands and TAXI will become one of the Young & Rubicam Brands agencies.
Beringer Capital acted as exclusive advisor to TAXI.
http://www.marketingmag.ca/english/news/agency/article.jsp?content=20101119_145048_5932
WPP (NASDAQ: WPPGY) announced today that it is acquiring the TAXI creative network.
TAXI, founded in 1992 in Montreal by Paul Lavoie and partner Jane Hope, has built its reputation on its highly innovative creative work. It has five offices in Canada, as well as an agency in New York and one in Amsterdam.
The TAXI leadership team will continue to drive the organization, with Lavoie retaining his role as Chairman and Rob Guenette serving as TAXI's CEO. Paul will report to Peter Stringham, who is Chairman and CEO of Young & Rubicam Brands and TAXI will become one of the Young & Rubicam Brands agencies.
Beringer Capital acted as exclusive advisor to TAXI.
Schawk, Inc. Completes Acquisition of Digital Marketing Agency Real
http://www.schawk.com/about-us/press-room/schawk-inc-completes-acquisition-of-digital-marketing-agency-real-branding
Schawk, Inc. (NYSE: SGK), a leading provider of brand point management services, enabling companies of all sizes to connect their brands with consumers to create deeper brand affinity, announced today that it has completed the acquisition of the digital marketing agency Real Branding, which has offices in San Francisco and New York.
Real Branding was founded in 1994 to pioneer the emerging field of digital communications for brands. The agency’s clients include Unilever, Lipton, Disney, Michelob, Red Lobster and ABC.
Schawk, Inc. (NYSE: SGK), a leading provider of brand point management services, enabling companies of all sizes to connect their brands with consumers to create deeper brand affinity, announced today that it has completed the acquisition of the digital marketing agency Real Branding, which has offices in San Francisco and New York.
Real Branding was founded in 1994 to pioneer the emerging field of digital communications for brands. The agency’s clients include Unilever, Lipton, Disney, Michelob, Red Lobster and ABC.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Morgan Stanley's Meeker Sees Online Ad Boom
http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/nov2010/tc20101116_062591.htm
Mary Meeker will predict a $50 billion online advertising boom in an address at the annual Web 2.0 Summit in San Francisco today. The Morgan Stanley analyst will say as well that mobile commerce may gain market share faster than traditional online retailing.
Mary Meeker will predict a $50 billion online advertising boom in an address at the annual Web 2.0 Summit in San Francisco today. The Morgan Stanley analyst will say as well that mobile commerce may gain market share faster than traditional online retailing.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
ZelnickMedia Completes Acquisition of Alloy, Inc.
Alloy, Inc. (Nasdaq:ALOY - News) ("Alloy") announced today that an investor group led by ZelnickMedia has completed the previously announced acquisition of Alloy following the approval of the transaction by an overwhelming majority of Alloy shareholders at a special stockholders meeting held yesterday. The purchase price of $9.80 in cash for each share of Alloy common stock represented a transaction value of approximately $126.3 million.
As announced in June 2010, Geraldine Laybourne has been named Chairman of Alloy. Matt Diamond and Jim Johnson, Alloy's co-founders, will continue to run the Company as CEO and COO, respectively.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/ZelnickMedia-Completes-pz-1907720171.html?x=0&.v=1
As announced in June 2010, Geraldine Laybourne has been named Chairman of Alloy. Matt Diamond and Jim Johnson, Alloy's co-founders, will continue to run the Company as CEO and COO, respectively.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/ZelnickMedia-Completes-pz-1907720171.html?x=0&.v=1
PDI, Inc. Acquires Group DCA, a Leader in Innovative Digital Communications to Health Care Providers
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/PDI-Inc-Acquires-Group-DCA-a-prnews-975766543.html?x=0&.v=1
PDI, Inc. (Nasdaq:PDII - News), a leading provider of integrated promotional outsource services to health care companies, today announced the expansion of its business with the acquisition of Group DCA, a privately held interactive digital communications agency serving biopharmaceutical companies.
Group DCA, based in Parsippany, NJ, was founded in 1999 as a privately owned digital communications agency by pharmaceutical industry veterans Jack Davis and Robert Likoff in order to provide more effective ways to engage health care providers. Group DCA and its business units leverage the strengths of the Internet, multimedia, tablet PCs, dimensional direct mail, and its proprietary software called DIAGRAM™ (DIAlog, GRAphics, Motion). Through these elements, Group DCA is able to deliver breakthrough solutions via interactive communications exchanges that conveniently accommodate the busy schedules of health care providers. Group DCA's programs also yield meaningful response data that allow clients to better understand the needs and opinions of their audiences, and, in turn, to market to them more effectively.
PDI, Inc. (Nasdaq:PDII - News), a leading provider of integrated promotional outsource services to health care companies, today announced the expansion of its business with the acquisition of Group DCA, a privately held interactive digital communications agency serving biopharmaceutical companies.
Group DCA, based in Parsippany, NJ, was founded in 1999 as a privately owned digital communications agency by pharmaceutical industry veterans Jack Davis and Robert Likoff in order to provide more effective ways to engage health care providers. Group DCA and its business units leverage the strengths of the Internet, multimedia, tablet PCs, dimensional direct mail, and its proprietary software called DIAGRAM™ (DIAlog, GRAphics, Motion). Through these elements, Group DCA is able to deliver breakthrough solutions via interactive communications exchanges that conveniently accommodate the busy schedules of health care providers. Group DCA's programs also yield meaningful response data that allow clients to better understand the needs and opinions of their audiences, and, in turn, to market to them more effectively.
WPP Acquires I‐Behavior
http://www.jegi.com/files/docs/Press_11.10.10.pdf
KBM Group (www.kbmg.com), the leader in providing a full spectrum of data‐driven marketing solutions and a unit of WPP (www.wpp.com), has agreed to acquire IBehavior (www.i‐behavior.com), a market leader in consumer and business transaction data. I‐Behavior
helps multi‐channel merchants market more effectively through a cooperative database including over eight billion SKU‐level transactions representing more than $280 billion in online and offline purchases. IBehavior is a privately held company based in Louisville, Colorado.
KBM Group (www.kbmg.com), the leader in providing a full spectrum of data‐driven marketing solutions and a unit of WPP (www.wpp.com), has agreed to acquire IBehavior (www.i‐behavior.com), a market leader in consumer and business transaction data. I‐Behavior
helps multi‐channel merchants market more effectively through a cooperative database including over eight billion SKU‐level transactions representing more than $280 billion in online and offline purchases. IBehavior is a privately held company based in Louisville, Colorado.
HIG backs Engine Groups’ forays overseas
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/aa43c68c-d6ed-11df-aaab-00144feabdc0.html?ftcamp=rss
Engine Group, the London-based marketing services company, is raising up to £62.5m from a private equity firm to fund expansion into the US, Brazil and China.
The initial investment of £32.5m by HIG Capital is a relatively rare foray by private equity into the advertising agency world. A further £30m will be available over the next two years as Engine expands, with HIG eventually holding a stake below 40 per cent.
The group, which owns ad agency WCRS and PR group MHP, said last month that it was postponing a planned initial public offering this year, due to the unwelcoming financial markets.
HIG’s investment, from its mid-market European fund, will also allow existing shareholders – including 200 Engine employees and management – to cash in up to 30 per cent of their stake.
Engine’s like-for-like revenues grew by 8.2 per cent to £34.3m in the first half of 2010, after the group swung into profit last year.
Engine Group, the London-based marketing services company, is raising up to £62.5m from a private equity firm to fund expansion into the US, Brazil and China.
The initial investment of £32.5m by HIG Capital is a relatively rare foray by private equity into the advertising agency world. A further £30m will be available over the next two years as Engine expands, with HIG eventually holding a stake below 40 per cent.
The group, which owns ad agency WCRS and PR group MHP, said last month that it was postponing a planned initial public offering this year, due to the unwelcoming financial markets.
HIG’s investment, from its mid-market European fund, will also allow existing shareholders – including 200 Engine employees and management – to cash in up to 30 per cent of their stake.
Engine’s like-for-like revenues grew by 8.2 per cent to £34.3m in the first half of 2010, after the group swung into profit last year.
Deep Focus Acquired by Engine USA
New York digital shop Deep Focus was acquired by Engine USA, the newly created stateside division of U.K. agency conglomerate Engine Group.
Deep Focus prides itself on being an early adopter of new platforms. It was the first, or among the first, to execute immersive client campaigns on properties like Foursquare, Gaia Online, FarmVille, and MySpace. Its emphasis is on fueling interactivity and earned media, rather than more traditional reach and frequency metrics.
The eight-year-old agency's most active current client is Microsoft, for which it built a high-profile integration with FarmVille. However, its primary focus has been on entertainment giants like HBO, Sony Pictures Television, and AMC, for which it created last year's ubiquitous "Mad Men Yourself" and this year's reprise.
Engine USA's model among agency holding companies is somewhat unique in that it aims to operate companies without overlapping services. That in turn limits competition among in-house agencies and better serves clients, said Deep Focus CEO Ian Shafer.
http://www.clickz.com/clickz/news/1794268/deep-focus-acquired-engine-usa
Monday, November 8, 2010
Source Marketing Acquires Think 360
Marketing services agency Source Marketing has acquired Think 360, Inc., an integrated marketing agency founded in 2001 that includes health and wellness subsidiary Antidote 360.
Think 360 prides itself on its pool of talented employees and its roster of largely blue chip consumer packaged goods clients including Heinz, Pepperidge Farm, Hain Celestial, Crayola, Tata Beverage Group and Unilever. The agency has won a number of prestigious industry distinctions, including twice being named to the Promo 100 ranking of the Top 100 U.S. promotion agencies, ranking the No. 15 Fastest Growing Agency in 2008 and the No. 5 Best Creative Agency in 2007.
Source Marketing’s clients include companies such as Philips, Panasonic, Reckitt Benckiser, Motorola, Bic, CIBA Vision, StarKist and HSBC. In addition to the Norwalk office, the agency has locations in Providence, RI, and Danbury, CT.
Under a rather unique aspect of the MDC Partners model, managing partners Mark Toner, Rich Feldman and Correia of Source Marketing all have equity in Source in partnership with MDC, and the three, along with MDC collectively invested to purchase Think 360.
Source Marketing ranked No. 46 on the 2010 Promo 100 with an estimated 2009 U.S. net revenue of $16.9 million.
Think 360 prides itself on its pool of talented employees and its roster of largely blue chip consumer packaged goods clients including Heinz, Pepperidge Farm, Hain Celestial, Crayola, Tata Beverage Group and Unilever. The agency has won a number of prestigious industry distinctions, including twice being named to the Promo 100 ranking of the Top 100 U.S. promotion agencies, ranking the No. 15 Fastest Growing Agency in 2008 and the No. 5 Best Creative Agency in 2007.
Source Marketing’s clients include companies such as Philips, Panasonic, Reckitt Benckiser, Motorola, Bic, CIBA Vision, StarKist and HSBC. In addition to the Norwalk office, the agency has locations in Providence, RI, and Danbury, CT.
Under a rather unique aspect of the MDC Partners model, managing partners Mark Toner, Rich Feldman and Correia of Source Marketing all have equity in Source in partnership with MDC, and the three, along with MDC collectively invested to purchase Think 360.
Source Marketing ranked No. 46 on the 2010 Promo 100 with an estimated 2009 U.S. net revenue of $16.9 million.
IBM to acquire analytics provider Netezza
http://www.btobonline.com/article/20100921/FREE/100929982/ibm-to-acquire-analytics-provider-netezza
IBM Corp. plans to acquire data analytics company Netezza Corp., reinforcing its growing presence in Web analytics and marketing metrics. The all-cash deal, to close in the fourth quarter pending shareholder approval, is for $1.7 billion.
Netezza's data warehousing analytics capabilities serve such customers as Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Nationwide Insurance, Neiman Marcus, Time Warner and Virgin Media.
In the last four years, according to IBM, it has invested more than $12 billion in 23 analytics-related acquisitions. This summer the company announced deals to acquire marketing management software company Unica Corp. and Web analytics and marketing optimization company Coremetrics Inc. Last year, IBM bought predictive analytics company SPSS Inc.
IBM Corp. plans to acquire data analytics company Netezza Corp., reinforcing its growing presence in Web analytics and marketing metrics. The all-cash deal, to close in the fourth quarter pending shareholder approval, is for $1.7 billion.
Netezza's data warehousing analytics capabilities serve such customers as Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Nationwide Insurance, Neiman Marcus, Time Warner and Virgin Media.
In the last four years, according to IBM, it has invested more than $12 billion in 23 analytics-related acquisitions. This summer the company announced deals to acquire marketing management software company Unica Corp. and Web analytics and marketing optimization company Coremetrics Inc. Last year, IBM bought predictive analytics company SPSS Inc.
SurveyMonkey Raises $100 Million In Debt Financing, In Part For M&A
SurveyMonkey, the popular online polling service, has raised $100 million in debt financing, which intriguingly it says it might use in part to fund acquisitions. The announcement comes nearly a year-and-a-half after PE firms Spectrum Equity Investors and Bain Capital Ventures bought a majority stake in the company and brought in former Yahoo (NSDQ: YHOO) Music GM Dave Goldberg to run it.
So, what might SurveyMonkey want to buy? Under Goldberg, the company appears to have decided to double down on the polling market, rather than branch out into offering its customers other, related services. The company has made one small acquisition this year, buying up phone survey firm Precision Polling.
http://paidcontent.org/article/419-surveymonkey-raises-100-million-in-debt-financing-in-part-for-ma/
So, what might SurveyMonkey want to buy? Under Goldberg, the company appears to have decided to double down on the polling market, rather than branch out into offering its customers other, related services. The company has made one small acquisition this year, buying up phone survey firm Precision Polling.
http://paidcontent.org/article/419-surveymonkey-raises-100-million-in-debt-financing-in-part-for-ma/
Online Video Ad Network Tremor Media Acquires ScanScout
http://paidcontent.org/article/419-online-video-ad-net-tremor-media-acquires-scanscout/
Several months after raising a huge $40 million funding round, Tremor Media is acquiring streaming ad placement service ScanScout. Both companies have been expanding for the past year, attempting to better ride the growing wave of online video ad spending.
The amount was not disclosed. Under the terms of the deal, ScanScout’s brand will disappear and both companies will operate as Tremor.
For Tremor and ScanScout, the deal isn’t just about increasing their reach among audiences—it’s about accessing a greater slice of advertisers’ spending. Once the merger is complete, the deal will increase the amount of ad impressions Tremor and ScanScout can scale. Specifically, Tremor Media’s Acudeo Platform offers advertisers reach across 3,500 sites, as opposed to just one site like Hulu. It also is aimed at helping publishers manage their entire in-stream inventory, as more websites look to ramp up their video offerings. Besides, with many advertisers looking to buy audiences, as opposed to sites directly, it could help both companies capture the ad dollars that are flowing to online video.
Several months after raising a huge $40 million funding round, Tremor Media is acquiring streaming ad placement service ScanScout. Both companies have been expanding for the past year, attempting to better ride the growing wave of online video ad spending.
The amount was not disclosed. Under the terms of the deal, ScanScout’s brand will disappear and both companies will operate as Tremor.
For Tremor and ScanScout, the deal isn’t just about increasing their reach among audiences—it’s about accessing a greater slice of advertisers’ spending. Once the merger is complete, the deal will increase the amount of ad impressions Tremor and ScanScout can scale. Specifically, Tremor Media’s Acudeo Platform offers advertisers reach across 3,500 sites, as opposed to just one site like Hulu. It also is aimed at helping publishers manage their entire in-stream inventory, as more websites look to ramp up their video offerings. Besides, with many advertisers looking to buy audiences, as opposed to sites directly, it could help both companies capture the ad dollars that are flowing to online video.
UBM buys Canon Communications
Acquisition-prone United Business Media (LSE: UBM) says it is buying Canon Communications, a company which operates manufacturing and medical tradeshows and related media, for $287 million.
The publisher says Canon will complement its electronic engineering business to enhance its information and marketing services.
UBM is making the acquisition from Canon owners Spectrum Equity Investors and Apprise Media LLC; the price is 7.8 times Canon’s pre-tax profit. Canon publishers Qmed.com, Medical Device Register, PharmaLive, e-knowledge base, PlasticsToday and other online services.
http://paidcontent.org/article/419-ubm-buying-canon-events-business-for-287-million/
The publisher says Canon will complement its electronic engineering business to enhance its information and marketing services.
UBM is making the acquisition from Canon owners Spectrum Equity Investors and Apprise Media LLC; the price is 7.8 times Canon’s pre-tax profit. Canon publishers Qmed.com, Medical Device Register, PharmaLive, e-knowledge base, PlasticsToday and other online services.
http://paidcontent.org/article/419-ubm-buying-canon-events-business-for-287-million/
Alterian acquires Intrepid, a social media firm
Alterian, which provides marketers with a suite of content management and social media monitoring tools, has bought up Intrepid, a social media consulting firm. Alterian says it’s buying Intrepid—which has 40 employees—in order to provide a “packaged solution of social media analytics and market research capability to organizations who have neither the time or in-house expertise to understand what the social media world is saying about them and how to make best use of it in their businesses.”
This is fast-growing Alterian’s third acquisition in two years; it bought up online content manager Mediasurface two years ago and followed up that purchase by acquiring social media monitor Techrigy last summer.
http://paidcontent.org/article/419-alterian-buys-social-media-consultancy-intrepid/
http://www.destinationcrm.com/Articles/CRM-News/Daily-News/Alterian-Buys-Intrepid-for-$11.5-Million-69740.aspx
The acquisition will cost Alterian up to $11.5 million, $3.5 million of which will be paid up front. The other $8 million will be paid based on whether or not revenue targets are met over the next several years.
This is fast-growing Alterian’s third acquisition in two years; it bought up online content manager Mediasurface two years ago and followed up that purchase by acquiring social media monitor Techrigy last summer.
http://paidcontent.org/article/419-alterian-buys-social-media-consultancy-intrepid/
http://www.destinationcrm.com/Articles/CRM-News/Daily-News/Alterian-Buys-Intrepid-for-$11.5-Million-69740.aspx
The acquisition will cost Alterian up to $11.5 million, $3.5 million of which will be paid up front. The other $8 million will be paid based on whether or not revenue targets are met over the next several years.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
TargetCast Acquires Triumph360
http://www.adweek.com/aw/content_display/news/media/e3i793156d6041aecbf5966dca3614dab9c
To meet growing client demands for digital capabilities, TargetCast:tcm, a New York-based independent media agency, has acquired i-shop Triumph360 of Stamford, Conn.
The agreement was disclosed to staffers today, along with the fact that the Triumph team will relocate to the Manhattan offices of TargetCast, which has annual billings of more than $500 million.
Triumph, founded two years ago by Jordan McGrath Case and imc2 veteran Steve Minichini, counts marketers such as Pizza Hut, angina drug Ranexa and Beauty Bank (a unit of Estee Lauder) among its clients. Billings total $20 million.
To meet growing client demands for digital capabilities, TargetCast:tcm, a New York-based independent media agency, has acquired i-shop Triumph360 of Stamford, Conn.
The agreement was disclosed to staffers today, along with the fact that the Triumph team will relocate to the Manhattan offices of TargetCast, which has annual billings of more than $500 million.
Triumph, founded two years ago by Jordan McGrath Case and imc2 veteran Steve Minichini, counts marketers such as Pizza Hut, angina drug Ranexa and Beauty Bank (a unit of Estee Lauder) among its clients. Billings total $20 million.
YPG launches digital advertising arm Mediative
http://www.marketingmag.ca/english/news/media/article.jsp?content=20101026_202316_2212
Yellow Pages Group has launched a digital advertising and marketing subsidiary called Mediative to serve national advertisers and agencies.
Its services include SEO, SEM, social media marketing and location-based marketing consulting. YPG has signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Acquisio, in which YPG has held a 24% ownership interest since mid-2009, for Mediative to provide clients access to Acquisio's search, social and display advertising platform in Canada.
The new venture is a result of Yellow Pages laying out $60 million in acquisitions, including search engine marketing company Enquiro, national retail advertising firm Ad Splash Media and independent online advertising representation shop Uptrend Media. As a result, Mediative has burst out of the gate with over 150 employees across four new Canadian offices in Montreal, Toronto, Kelowna and Vancouver.
"We're launching a new brand outside the YPG umbrella to build a different, media tech culture," said Mediative president Patrick Lauzon. "Yellow Pages has never been a product that ad agencies have traditionally worked with. As the media world migrates to digital, there's been a huge opportunity to get going with these national advertisers."
Yellow Pages Group intends to leverage its network of print and online properties–including Autotrader.ca, RedFlagDeals.com and YellowPages.ca–to provide display advertising and audience targeting on Canada's leading online and mobile ad networks, as well as vertical ad products and solutions in the automotive, real estate and retail categories.
Mediative will also sell online advertising inventories for publishers including Future Shop, Best Buy, Walmart, Toys R Us, Martha Stewart, ET Online and the CFL.
"We have 11.7 million unique visitors that come to YPG properties every month, even before these acquisitions," said Lauzon. "Yet, we still weren't [connecting] with agencies or coordinated [enough] to be a display ad reseller. The initiation of [the acquisitions] was really, 'How do we regroup these properties and create a group that will go out and sell them?' "
With the addition of Ad Splash and Up Trend alone, Lauzon said Mediative has grown its ad space to 250 sites.
"Mediative is the next step in YPG's digital growth strategy." said Marc P. Tellier, president and CEO of Yellow Pages Group, in a statement. "We now have the products and team to serve advertisers looking for robust and cost-effective digital marketing solutions."
Yellow Pages Group has launched a digital advertising and marketing subsidiary called Mediative to serve national advertisers and agencies.
Its services include SEO, SEM, social media marketing and location-based marketing consulting. YPG has signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Acquisio, in which YPG has held a 24% ownership interest since mid-2009, for Mediative to provide clients access to Acquisio's search, social and display advertising platform in Canada.
The new venture is a result of Yellow Pages laying out $60 million in acquisitions, including search engine marketing company Enquiro, national retail advertising firm Ad Splash Media and independent online advertising representation shop Uptrend Media. As a result, Mediative has burst out of the gate with over 150 employees across four new Canadian offices in Montreal, Toronto, Kelowna and Vancouver.
"We're launching a new brand outside the YPG umbrella to build a different, media tech culture," said Mediative president Patrick Lauzon. "Yellow Pages has never been a product that ad agencies have traditionally worked with. As the media world migrates to digital, there's been a huge opportunity to get going with these national advertisers."
Yellow Pages Group intends to leverage its network of print and online properties–including Autotrader.ca, RedFlagDeals.com and YellowPages.ca–to provide display advertising and audience targeting on Canada's leading online and mobile ad networks, as well as vertical ad products and solutions in the automotive, real estate and retail categories.
Mediative will also sell online advertising inventories for publishers including Future Shop, Best Buy, Walmart, Toys R Us, Martha Stewart, ET Online and the CFL.
"We have 11.7 million unique visitors that come to YPG properties every month, even before these acquisitions," said Lauzon. "Yet, we still weren't [connecting] with agencies or coordinated [enough] to be a display ad reseller. The initiation of [the acquisitions] was really, 'How do we regroup these properties and create a group that will go out and sell them?' "
With the addition of Ad Splash and Up Trend alone, Lauzon said Mediative has grown its ad space to 250 sites.
"Mediative is the next step in YPG's digital growth strategy." said Marc P. Tellier, president and CEO of Yellow Pages Group, in a statement. "We now have the products and team to serve advertisers looking for robust and cost-effective digital marketing solutions."
Colour acquires a new shade of digital with E3
http://www.marketingmag.ca/english/news/agency/article.jsp?content=20101022_164017_6428
Halifax agency Colour has bolstered its digital capabilities with the acquisition of Toronto-based web design and development agency E3 Online Marketing.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Colour president and CEO Chris Keevill called the deal a logical step in an ongoing process to make Colour's service offering "much more digitally centred."
"This is a continuation and acceleration of that, because in one fell swoop we've been able to add digital resources and establish a new presence in a new market where we think our value proposition will be well received," he said.
Established in 1999 by Brad Bettinson, Toronto-based E3 has worked with major brands including McDonald's, Koodoo, ESPN, XBox, Coke and Cadbury. As part of the deal, Bettinson will become a Colour shareholder and join the agency as managing partner of its digital practice.
Keevill said the deal came about because he and Bettinson shared similar goals for their respective agencies.
"What I found was that we had the same ideals, shared a lot of the same values and were quite synergistic in what we were looking for in a partner," he said. "We saw the opportunity to strengthen our digital capability and expand into a market presence in Toronto; for Brad, a small boutique digital shop, he saw the need to be part of an integrated offering."
"To be successful in the new digital landscape you can't just slap digital on the side–it needs to be sewn right into the fabric of how you approach the challenges of your clients," said Bettinson in a release. "When Colour approached us about how we could help them continue their evolution into a digitally-centric agency at every level, we knew we were on the right page."
Established in 1977, Colour's client list includes Royal LePage Atlantic, Nova Scotia Tourism, Exxon Mobil Canada and the Atlantic Lottery Corporation. The company is not in acquisition mode, Keevill stressed, but is on the lookout for potentially beneficial deals.
"We're attracted to attractive opportunities, and this is certainly one," he said.
Halifax agency Colour has bolstered its digital capabilities with the acquisition of Toronto-based web design and development agency E3 Online Marketing.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Colour president and CEO Chris Keevill called the deal a logical step in an ongoing process to make Colour's service offering "much more digitally centred."
"This is a continuation and acceleration of that, because in one fell swoop we've been able to add digital resources and establish a new presence in a new market where we think our value proposition will be well received," he said.
Established in 1999 by Brad Bettinson, Toronto-based E3 has worked with major brands including McDonald's, Koodoo, ESPN, XBox, Coke and Cadbury. As part of the deal, Bettinson will become a Colour shareholder and join the agency as managing partner of its digital practice.
Keevill said the deal came about because he and Bettinson shared similar goals for their respective agencies.
"What I found was that we had the same ideals, shared a lot of the same values and were quite synergistic in what we were looking for in a partner," he said. "We saw the opportunity to strengthen our digital capability and expand into a market presence in Toronto; for Brad, a small boutique digital shop, he saw the need to be part of an integrated offering."
"To be successful in the new digital landscape you can't just slap digital on the side–it needs to be sewn right into the fabric of how you approach the challenges of your clients," said Bettinson in a release. "When Colour approached us about how we could help them continue their evolution into a digitally-centric agency at every level, we knew we were on the right page."
Established in 1977, Colour's client list includes Royal LePage Atlantic, Nova Scotia Tourism, Exxon Mobil Canada and the Atlantic Lottery Corporation. The company is not in acquisition mode, Keevill stressed, but is on the lookout for potentially beneficial deals.
"We're attracted to attractive opportunities, and this is certainly one," he said.
KBS+P Expands Into Canada
http://www.adweek.com/aw/content_display/news/agency/e3i39cbc5228150ebabdaf173a2e5eaddc1
The New York-based MDC Partners shop has joined with sibling Allard Johnson to form KBS+P Canada. This gives the brand a 100-person presence in Toronto and Montreal. The Allard Johnson name will cease to be used. Key clients include Subway, Church & Dwight, Purdue Pharma and Merck.
Another MDC shop, Crispin Porter + Bogusky, made a similar move this summer, absorbing sibling Zig to rebrand as CP+B Canada.
Allard Johnson exec Mario Daigle will run KBS+P Canada as president, reporting to agency CEO Lori Senecal (pictured). Former Allard Johnson chief exec Terry Johnson becomes chairman. Dan Pawych is CCO. Cameron Wykes will serve as gm in Toronto and also lead BabyRobot, the shop's digital unit.
Johnson noted that the union gives the Canadian operations immediate access to "new capabilities, talent [from KBS+P] and further enhances our social media and digitally integrated offering for clients."
http://www.marketingmag.ca/english/news/agency/article.jsp?content=20101019_151238_8860
The agency informed clients of the change last Friday and Daigle said the reaction has been supportive and overwhelmingly positive. The client list includes Subway, Church and Dwight Canada, Dairy Farmers of Canada, The Keg Steakhouse and Bar, Purdue Pharma, and Merck.
KBS+P now has four offices–Toronto, Montreal, New York and Atlanta–and the new deal is being viewed as a perfect springboard for further international expansion. "We're looking for further expansion, whether Asia, Europe or Latin America, it's just a matter of time," said Daigle. "This is a big step towards that."
The New York-based MDC Partners shop has joined with sibling Allard Johnson to form KBS+P Canada. This gives the brand a 100-person presence in Toronto and Montreal. The Allard Johnson name will cease to be used. Key clients include Subway, Church & Dwight, Purdue Pharma and Merck.
Another MDC shop, Crispin Porter + Bogusky, made a similar move this summer, absorbing sibling Zig to rebrand as CP+B Canada.
Allard Johnson exec Mario Daigle will run KBS+P Canada as president, reporting to agency CEO Lori Senecal (pictured). Former Allard Johnson chief exec Terry Johnson becomes chairman. Dan Pawych is CCO. Cameron Wykes will serve as gm in Toronto and also lead BabyRobot, the shop's digital unit.
Johnson noted that the union gives the Canadian operations immediate access to "new capabilities, talent [from KBS+P] and further enhances our social media and digitally integrated offering for clients."
http://www.marketingmag.ca/english/news/agency/article.jsp?content=20101019_151238_8860
The agency informed clients of the change last Friday and Daigle said the reaction has been supportive and overwhelmingly positive. The client list includes Subway, Church and Dwight Canada, Dairy Farmers of Canada, The Keg Steakhouse and Bar, Purdue Pharma, and Merck.
KBS+P now has four offices–Toronto, Montreal, New York and Atlanta–and the new deal is being viewed as a perfect springboard for further international expansion. "We're looking for further expansion, whether Asia, Europe or Latin America, it's just a matter of time," said Daigle. "This is a big step towards that."
Mobile Ad Spending Trends Upward
http://www.adweek.com/aw/content_display/news/agency/e3if5f773e59310e059c43c985188622dc1
With Apple and Google in stiff competition for mobile advertising dollars, it's useful to review how much money is at stake.
eMarketer predicts that mobile advertising across all principal formats -- display, search and messaging-based -- will reach $1.56 billion by 2013.
Commensurate with its status as an emerging channel, mobile advertising will achieve a lofty compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 37.3 percent between 2008 and 2013 -- considerably higher than online ad spending as a whole, but more in line with emerging online formats such as digital video.
With Apple and Google in stiff competition for mobile advertising dollars, it's useful to review how much money is at stake.
eMarketer predicts that mobile advertising across all principal formats -- display, search and messaging-based -- will reach $1.56 billion by 2013.
Commensurate with its status as an emerging channel, mobile advertising will achieve a lofty compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 37.3 percent between 2008 and 2013 -- considerably higher than online ad spending as a whole, but more in line with emerging online formats such as digital video.
Torstar buys Web2Mobile to boost mobile firepower
http://www.marketingmag.ca/english/news/media/article.jsp?content=20101013_150442_1440
Torstar Digital has increased its presence in the growing mobile marketing space with the acquisition of mobile marketing company Web2Mobile. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Candice Faktor, vice-president of strategy and new ventures for Torstar Digital, described mobile as an important growth area for the company, noting that Web2Mobile offers a "nice rounded capability set" that complements its existing assets.
"We're constantly looking at the future of our business and what spaces we want to play in, and we think that mobile is a very important area that we want to continue to build businesses in–especially taking some of our digital businesses and evolving them into mobile," said Faktor.
Toronto-based Web2Mobile develops campaigns and apps for a wide range of mobile devices including the iPhone, iPad, Android and BlackBerry.
The company recently developed a free app for Random House called Conversation Starters that offers up tidbits from the company's non-fiction books for use at dinner parties.
The app also enables users to read an expanded excerpt from the selected book with a simple click, buy the book online, or use their mobile device's GPS capability to locate the nearest retailer.
Web2Mobile will operate independently of Torstar Digital's other business units and will continue to be led by founder Deborah Hall, who was recently named one of New York-based Mobile Marketer's "Women to Watch" for 2010." The company will report into Torstar Digital's Strategy & New Ventures group.
"We believe very much in having independently run businesses so that they're able to achieve their objectives without having to focus on what one of our other business's objectives are," said Faktor. "Where it makes sense we'll work together, but we think independence is really important."
In her new role, Hall will be charged with helping clients develop both mobile marketing strategies and new revenue models for the mobile space. Throughout her career, Hall has worked with clients including Chapters Indigo, Nike, Diageo, Corus Entertainment, The Weather Network and Cogeco.
Torstar Digital has been busy on the acquisition front in the past year, with recent purchases including Montreal-based travel deal aggregator TravelAlerts.ca and the group buying operation WagJag (a competitor to companies like Groupon and WebPiggy).
"We're definitely in growth mode," said Faktor. "This is a very exciting time to be doing this. The pace at which things are happening now is just so fast."
Torstar Digital has increased its presence in the growing mobile marketing space with the acquisition of mobile marketing company Web2Mobile. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Candice Faktor, vice-president of strategy and new ventures for Torstar Digital, described mobile as an important growth area for the company, noting that Web2Mobile offers a "nice rounded capability set" that complements its existing assets.
"We're constantly looking at the future of our business and what spaces we want to play in, and we think that mobile is a very important area that we want to continue to build businesses in–especially taking some of our digital businesses and evolving them into mobile," said Faktor.
Toronto-based Web2Mobile develops campaigns and apps for a wide range of mobile devices including the iPhone, iPad, Android and BlackBerry.
The company recently developed a free app for Random House called Conversation Starters that offers up tidbits from the company's non-fiction books for use at dinner parties.
The app also enables users to read an expanded excerpt from the selected book with a simple click, buy the book online, or use their mobile device's GPS capability to locate the nearest retailer.
Web2Mobile will operate independently of Torstar Digital's other business units and will continue to be led by founder Deborah Hall, who was recently named one of New York-based Mobile Marketer's "Women to Watch" for 2010." The company will report into Torstar Digital's Strategy & New Ventures group.
"We believe very much in having independently run businesses so that they're able to achieve their objectives without having to focus on what one of our other business's objectives are," said Faktor. "Where it makes sense we'll work together, but we think independence is really important."
In her new role, Hall will be charged with helping clients develop both mobile marketing strategies and new revenue models for the mobile space. Throughout her career, Hall has worked with clients including Chapters Indigo, Nike, Diageo, Corus Entertainment, The Weather Network and Cogeco.
Torstar Digital has been busy on the acquisition front in the past year, with recent purchases including Montreal-based travel deal aggregator TravelAlerts.ca and the group buying operation WagJag (a competitor to companies like Groupon and WebPiggy).
"We're definitely in growth mode," said Faktor. "This is a very exciting time to be doing this. The pace at which things are happening now is just so fast."
Maritz Research acquires research analytics company evolve24
Maritz Research, a division of incentives and meeting-planning company Maritz Inc., has acquired evolve24, a business analytics and research company that uses social media and other means to measure brand and product perception, reputation and risk.
Evolve24, based in St. Louis and with an office in Chicago, will function as a standalone business within Maritz Research. Company founder and CEO Anthony Sardella will take the title of managing director of evolve24, reporting to Jim Stone, exec VP-chief research officer at Maritz Research.
http://www.btobonline.com/article/20101005/FREE/101009970/maritz-research-acquires-research-analytics-company-evolve24#seenit
Evolve24, based in St. Louis and with an office in Chicago, will function as a standalone business within Maritz Research. Company founder and CEO Anthony Sardella will take the title of managing director of evolve24, reporting to Jim Stone, exec VP-chief research officer at Maritz Research.
http://www.btobonline.com/article/20101005/FREE/101009970/maritz-research-acquires-research-analytics-company-evolve24#seenit
Ad Optimizer Rocket Fuel Lifts Off With $10M From Nokia
http://www.nytimes.com/external/venturebeat/2010/09/22/22venturebeat-ad-optimizer-rocket-fuel-lifts-off-with-10m-19429.html?emc=dbk
Rocket Fuel, a startup claiming to bring honest-to-God rocket science to the online advertising world, has raised $10 million in its second round of funding.
The Redwood Shores, Calif. company says it uses technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and statistics to figure out the best placement for a display ad. It either buys impressions on an ad exchange, or directly from online publishers. A number of ad optimizers look at user behavior, said chief executive George John, but Rocket Fuel looks at behavior, context, geography, demographics, and more. It can also give advertisers immediate feedback on how their ads are performing.
The new round brings Rocket Fuel’s total funding to $20 million, and it was led by Nokia Growth Partners. New investor Northgate Capital and previous investors Mohr Davidow Ventures and Labrador Ventures also contributed.
Rocket Fuel, a startup claiming to bring honest-to-God rocket science to the online advertising world, has raised $10 million in its second round of funding.
The Redwood Shores, Calif. company says it uses technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and statistics to figure out the best placement for a display ad. It either buys impressions on an ad exchange, or directly from online publishers. A number of ad optimizers look at user behavior, said chief executive George John, but Rocket Fuel looks at behavior, context, geography, demographics, and more. It can also give advertisers immediate feedback on how their ads are performing.
The new round brings Rocket Fuel’s total funding to $20 million, and it was led by Nokia Growth Partners. New investor Northgate Capital and previous investors Mohr Davidow Ventures and Labrador Ventures also contributed.
DG FastChannel To Buy Match Point Media For $26 Million
http://blogs.barrons.com/techtraderdaily/2010/09/30/dg-fastchannel-to-buy-match-point-media-for-26-million/?mod=yahoobarrons
DG FastChannel (DGIT), which provides digital media service to the advertising and broadcast industry, this morning said it will acquire privately held Match Point Media, a provider of direct response advertising, for $26 million in cash. The deal is expected to close October 1.
DGIT said Match Point expects revenue for the nine months through September 30 of $14 million, with EBITDA of about $3 million. DG said it expects $2 million in cost synergies from the deal by the end of 2011.
DG FastChannel (DGIT), which provides digital media service to the advertising and broadcast industry, this morning said it will acquire privately held Match Point Media, a provider of direct response advertising, for $26 million in cash. The deal is expected to close October 1.
DGIT said Match Point expects revenue for the nine months through September 30 of $14 million, with EBITDA of about $3 million. DG said it expects $2 million in cost synergies from the deal by the end of 2011.
Partners & Edell acquired, rebranded as Rain 43, acquires Combustion Studios
http://www.marketingmag.ca/english/news/agency/article.jsp?content=20100916_165231_7772
Following a change in ownership at Partners & Edell, the Toronto agency has rebranded as Rain 43.
"Rain will make brands grow," said John Farquhar, chief creative officer, of his agency's new name. "That was the starting point for us. Also, it's about the kind of campaigns we're going to put out there. There are campaigns that are like a giant thunderstorm, and then there are those that are like a thousand tiny rain drops, which are the any number of things you can do to get the [brand] to the consumer."
The number 43 in the name refers to the GPS way point number indicating where the agency's office is located in Toronto.
Farquhar and partner John Yorke, Rain's president, acquired and then merged Partners & Edell with Farquhar's small independent agency Wildmouse in June.
Though Partners founder Dennis Edell now sees his name come off the door, he remains with the agency as its CEO.
Rain is currently hiring; having brought in Bernice Allinson, formerly associate creative director at Juniper Park, the partners are looking to bolster her creative team and expand the shop's digital credentials.
"Bernice is pure digital and works directly with me, and I come right out of the traditional advertising world," Farquhar said. "We're going to be creating campaigns that are far more integrated than those from a traditional advertising team."
Rain has also acquired Combustion Studio, a print and web design firm.
Partners & Edell's client base remains intact following the rebranding, including agency-of-record relationships with the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Blue Mountain ski resort, Ontario Power Generation and Carstar.
http://www.marketingmag.ca/english/news/agency/article.jsp?content=20100602_145732_3236
Following a change in ownership at Partners & Edell, the Toronto agency has rebranded as Rain 43.
"Rain will make brands grow," said John Farquhar, chief creative officer, of his agency's new name. "That was the starting point for us. Also, it's about the kind of campaigns we're going to put out there. There are campaigns that are like a giant thunderstorm, and then there are those that are like a thousand tiny rain drops, which are the any number of things you can do to get the [brand] to the consumer."
The number 43 in the name refers to the GPS way point number indicating where the agency's office is located in Toronto.
Farquhar and partner John Yorke, Rain's president, acquired and then merged Partners & Edell with Farquhar's small independent agency Wildmouse in June.
Though Partners founder Dennis Edell now sees his name come off the door, he remains with the agency as its CEO.
Rain is currently hiring; having brought in Bernice Allinson, formerly associate creative director at Juniper Park, the partners are looking to bolster her creative team and expand the shop's digital credentials.
"Bernice is pure digital and works directly with me, and I come right out of the traditional advertising world," Farquhar said. "We're going to be creating campaigns that are far more integrated than those from a traditional advertising team."
Rain has also acquired Combustion Studio, a print and web design firm.
Partners & Edell's client base remains intact following the rebranding, including agency-of-record relationships with the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Blue Mountain ski resort, Ontario Power Generation and Carstar.
http://www.marketingmag.ca/english/news/agency/article.jsp?content=20100602_145732_3236
Microsoft to Shutter Massive Inc.
http://www.mediaweek.com/mw/content_display/news/digital-downloads/gaming/e3i09837ee3d3a16fac687abd46bb6219c3
Looks like Microsoft has a Massive failure on its hands.
The software giant will shutter its in-game advertising unit Massive Inc. before the end of this month, according to sources close to the company. Insiders at Microsoft said that Massive general manager JJ Richards has been seeking another job, while members of Massive’s technology and sales team are gradually being assigned to other projects.
Microsoft had been seeking a buyer for Massive over the past few months, per sources. The company is said to have even approached rival in-game ad vendor Double Fusion, seeking a high six-figure or low seven-figure deal, as well as several other companies in the gaming space. When Microsoft acquired Massive in 2006, the price the software giant paid was estimated to be between $200 million and $400 million. At the time of the acquisition, the exuberance for dynamic in-game advertising was at its peak; former Massive CEO Mitch Davis had predicted a $2 billion market by this year, a level the market never approached. Since then, Microsoft’s gamer-aimed subscription service Xbox Live has taken off—it now reaches 25 million users globally.
Xbox Live—an entertainment hub where gamers can chat, play games and watch movies—is considered a much more attractive advertising option for brands. Plus, Microsoft keeps all ad revenue it earns from Xbox Live, while it must share Massive’s ad revenue with game publishers—publishers who are often more interested in selling hit games than selling ads. Yet Massive had been on a hot streak several years ago, as the company lined up deals to deliver ads within some of the biggest video games on the market, such as Guitar Hero and Madden Football. But earlier this year Electronic Arts, publisher of some of the world's most popular sports and racing games, elected to pull its in-game ad business in-house, which resulted in Massive losing a large chunk of its premiere inventory.
Plus, according to sources, Massive’s ad sales efforts were never fully integrated within the Xbox team. In fact, at the time of the acquisition, several Xbox executives were said to be against the deal, but ex-Microsoft executive Cory Van Arsdale and other members of the company’s business development team had pushed hard to buy Massive, citing the fast-growing interest in the gaming space among brands.Microsoft officials declined to comment for this story.
Looks like Microsoft has a Massive failure on its hands.
The software giant will shutter its in-game advertising unit Massive Inc. before the end of this month, according to sources close to the company. Insiders at Microsoft said that Massive general manager JJ Richards has been seeking another job, while members of Massive’s technology and sales team are gradually being assigned to other projects.
Microsoft had been seeking a buyer for Massive over the past few months, per sources. The company is said to have even approached rival in-game ad vendor Double Fusion, seeking a high six-figure or low seven-figure deal, as well as several other companies in the gaming space. When Microsoft acquired Massive in 2006, the price the software giant paid was estimated to be between $200 million and $400 million. At the time of the acquisition, the exuberance for dynamic in-game advertising was at its peak; former Massive CEO Mitch Davis had predicted a $2 billion market by this year, a level the market never approached. Since then, Microsoft’s gamer-aimed subscription service Xbox Live has taken off—it now reaches 25 million users globally.
Xbox Live—an entertainment hub where gamers can chat, play games and watch movies—is considered a much more attractive advertising option for brands. Plus, Microsoft keeps all ad revenue it earns from Xbox Live, while it must share Massive’s ad revenue with game publishers—publishers who are often more interested in selling hit games than selling ads. Yet Massive had been on a hot streak several years ago, as the company lined up deals to deliver ads within some of the biggest video games on the market, such as Guitar Hero and Madden Football. But earlier this year Electronic Arts, publisher of some of the world's most popular sports and racing games, elected to pull its in-game ad business in-house, which resulted in Massive losing a large chunk of its premiere inventory.
Plus, according to sources, Massive’s ad sales efforts were never fully integrated within the Xbox team. In fact, at the time of the acquisition, several Xbox executives were said to be against the deal, but ex-Microsoft executive Cory Van Arsdale and other members of the company’s business development team had pushed hard to buy Massive, citing the fast-growing interest in the gaming space among brands.Microsoft officials declined to comment for this story.
Digital Out-of-Home Ad Spend Rises
http://www.brandweek.com/bw/content_display/news-and-features/shopper-marketing/e3if40aadb1b179f42a8dab44bbdd36ca0c
The Digital Place-based Advertising Association reported that spending on digital place-based video networks grew 25 percent in the first half of 2009.
The DPAA's figure, estimated by Miller Kaplan Arase, did not include cinema advertising, which makes up more than half of the dollars spent in the digital place-based out-of-home market. That makes the overall impact of the medium difficult to gauge.
PQ Media, publisher of the Global Digital Out-of-Home Media Forecast, estimated that the total digital OOH network ad spend—including all 211 networks in five major venue categories (cinema, retail, office, entertainment and transit)—grew 10 percent to 15 percent in the first half of the year. Cinema grew about 8 percent to 10 percent.
"The growth rates and activity in this sector are very encouraging," said Kris Magel, evp, director of national broadcast at Initiative. "It's an indication that place-based media is moving beyond the startup phase and becoming a viable medium that is here to stay—and one that is very complementary to more traditional video media options."
Including cinema, the DPAA estimated total advertising for digital pace-based media was more than $1 billion.
The Digital Place-based Advertising Association reported that spending on digital place-based video networks grew 25 percent in the first half of 2009.
The DPAA's figure, estimated by Miller Kaplan Arase, did not include cinema advertising, which makes up more than half of the dollars spent in the digital place-based out-of-home market. That makes the overall impact of the medium difficult to gauge.
PQ Media, publisher of the Global Digital Out-of-Home Media Forecast, estimated that the total digital OOH network ad spend—including all 211 networks in five major venue categories (cinema, retail, office, entertainment and transit)—grew 10 percent to 15 percent in the first half of the year. Cinema grew about 8 percent to 10 percent.
"The growth rates and activity in this sector are very encouraging," said Kris Magel, evp, director of national broadcast at Initiative. "It's an indication that place-based media is moving beyond the startup phase and becoming a viable medium that is here to stay—and one that is very complementary to more traditional video media options."
Including cinema, the DPAA estimated total advertising for digital pace-based media was more than $1 billion.
Transcon gets more mobile with Vortex deal
http://www.marketingmag.ca/english/news/media/article.jsp?content=20101103_150736_9256
Transcontinental this week acquired integrated mobile solutions firm Vortex Mobile.
It's the first major move since September, when the company reported a third-quarter profit of $30.6 million and announced its intentions to make targeted acquisitions in digital technology.
"Every day we work with our customers on analyzing, executing and deploying marketing strategies that are built on personalization and new communication platforms," said Christian Trudeau, president of Transcon's Marketing Communications Sector, in a statement. "The acquisition of Vortex Mobile fits in perfectly with this approach. It will enhance our centre of excellence in mobile marketing solutions and confirm our leading position in the interactive marketing solutions offering."
Vortex Mobile was founded in 2004 and bills its service as one that builds marketing and technology solutions to foster consumer relationships across mobile messaging, mobile Internet, mobile advertising and social media channels.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed. Vortex's 37 employees will join Transcontinental's Marketing Communications Sector, and Brady Murphy, co-founder and CEO of Vortex Mobile, has been named vice-president, sales and mobile solutions.
"Transcontinental's vision was a key factor in our decision," said Murphy. "Its service offering is very attractive and Transcontinental's management understood the importance of including mobile and social media in their marketing solutions and making it a priority. Vortex customers can now make use of Transcontinental's expertise in campaign metrics and data analytics to optimize their marketing campaigns."
The acquisition continues Trancontinental's move to better position itself across multiple platforms through outside acquisitions. In May, the company bought Montreal-based Lipso Systems Inc. , a developer and marketer of technology that facilitates communications and transactions between organizations and mobile users.
Transcontinental this week acquired integrated mobile solutions firm Vortex Mobile.
It's the first major move since September, when the company reported a third-quarter profit of $30.6 million and announced its intentions to make targeted acquisitions in digital technology.
"Every day we work with our customers on analyzing, executing and deploying marketing strategies that are built on personalization and new communication platforms," said Christian Trudeau, president of Transcon's Marketing Communications Sector, in a statement. "The acquisition of Vortex Mobile fits in perfectly with this approach. It will enhance our centre of excellence in mobile marketing solutions and confirm our leading position in the interactive marketing solutions offering."
Vortex Mobile was founded in 2004 and bills its service as one that builds marketing and technology solutions to foster consumer relationships across mobile messaging, mobile Internet, mobile advertising and social media channels.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed. Vortex's 37 employees will join Transcontinental's Marketing Communications Sector, and Brady Murphy, co-founder and CEO of Vortex Mobile, has been named vice-president, sales and mobile solutions.
"Transcontinental's vision was a key factor in our decision," said Murphy. "Its service offering is very attractive and Transcontinental's management understood the importance of including mobile and social media in their marketing solutions and making it a priority. Vortex customers can now make use of Transcontinental's expertise in campaign metrics and data analytics to optimize their marketing campaigns."
The acquisition continues Trancontinental's move to better position itself across multiple platforms through outside acquisitions. In May, the company bought Montreal-based Lipso Systems Inc. , a developer and marketer of technology that facilitates communications and transactions between organizations and mobile users.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Online Yellow Pages revenue to reach $3.06 billion by 2012
http://www.btobonline.com/article/20101026/FREE/101029935/online-yellow-pages-revenue-to-reach-3-06-billion-by-2012
Internet Yellow Pages revenue is projected to increase to $3.06 billion in 2012, according to a new report published Monday by Simba Information. The report, “U.S. Online Yellow Pages Market 2009-2012,” said that Internet listings will account for 20.1% of the total Yellow Pages market by 2012.
Internet Yellow Pages revenue is projected to increase to $3.06 billion in 2012, according to a new report published Monday by Simba Information. The report, “U.S. Online Yellow Pages Market 2009-2012,” said that Internet listings will account for 20.1% of the total Yellow Pages market by 2012.
Mobile ad spending to rise 79%
http://www.btobonline.com/article/20101026/FREE/101029938/mobile-ad-spending-to-rise-79#seenit
Mobile ad spending in the U.S. is expected to rise 79% this year over 2009, reaching $743.1 million, according to a new projection from eMarketer (www.emarketer.com).
EMarketer forecast that spending on mobile advertising initiatives will continue to hit double-digit growth rates, with U.S. ad expenditures reaching $1.1 billion in 2011 and $2.5 billion by 2014. The company predicted steeper growth in display spending on banners, rich media and video, with a drop in text messaging's share of total mobile ad spending.
EMarketer cited the roles of both Apple Inc. and Google in driving mobile ad growth by “redefining the mobile device and advertising markets” via new smartphones and ad inventory.
Mobile ad spending in the U.S. is expected to rise 79% this year over 2009, reaching $743.1 million, according to a new projection from eMarketer (www.emarketer.com).
EMarketer forecast that spending on mobile advertising initiatives will continue to hit double-digit growth rates, with U.S. ad expenditures reaching $1.1 billion in 2011 and $2.5 billion by 2014. The company predicted steeper growth in display spending on banners, rich media and video, with a drop in text messaging's share of total mobile ad spending.
EMarketer cited the roles of both Apple Inc. and Google in driving mobile ad growth by “redefining the mobile device and advertising markets” via new smartphones and ad inventory.
YPG launches digital advertising arm Mediative
http://www.marketingmag.ca/english/news/media/article.jsp?content=20101026_202316_2212 Yellow Pages Group has launched a digital advertising and marketing subsidiary called Mediative to serve national advertisers and agencies.
Its services include SEO, SEM, social media marketing and location-based marketing consulting. YPG has signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Acquisio, in which YPG has held a 24% ownership interest since mid-2009, for Mediative to provide clients access to Acquisio's search, social and display advertising platform in Canada.
The new venture is a result of Yellow Pages laying out $60 million in acquisitions, including search engine marketing company Enquiro, national retail advertising firm Ad Splash Media and independent online advertising representation shop Uptrend Media. As a result, Mediative has burst out of the gate with over 150 employees across four new Canadian offices in Montreal, Toronto, Kelowna and Vancouver.
"We're launching a new brand outside the YPG umbrella to build a different, media tech culture," said Mediative president Patrick Lauzon. "Yellow Pages has never been a product that ad agencies have traditionally worked with. As the media world migrates to digital, there's been a huge opportunity to get going with these national advertisers."
Yellow Pages Group intends to leverage its network of print and online properties–including Autotrader.ca, RedFlagDeals.com and YellowPages.ca–to provide display advertising and audience targeting on Canada's leading online and mobile ad networks, as well as vertical ad products and solutions in the automotive, real estate and retail categories.
Mediative will also sell online advertising inventories for publishers including Future Shop, Best Buy, Walmart, Toys R Us, Martha Stewart, ET Online and the CFL.
"We have 11.7 million unique visitors that come to YPG properties every month, even before these acquisitions," said Lauzon. "Yet, we still weren't [connecting] with agencies or coordinated [enough] to be a display ad reseller. The initiation of [the acquisitions] was really, 'How do we regroup these properties and create a group that will go out and sell them?' "
With the addition of Ad Splash and Up Trend alone, Lauzon said Mediative has grown its ad space to 250 sites.
"Mediative is the next step in YPG's digital growth strategy." said Marc P. Tellier, president and CEO of Yellow Pages Group, in a statement. "We now have the products and team to serve advertisers looking for robust and cost-effective digital marketing solutions."
Its services include SEO, SEM, social media marketing and location-based marketing consulting. YPG has signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Acquisio, in which YPG has held a 24% ownership interest since mid-2009, for Mediative to provide clients access to Acquisio's search, social and display advertising platform in Canada.
The new venture is a result of Yellow Pages laying out $60 million in acquisitions, including search engine marketing company Enquiro, national retail advertising firm Ad Splash Media and independent online advertising representation shop Uptrend Media. As a result, Mediative has burst out of the gate with over 150 employees across four new Canadian offices in Montreal, Toronto, Kelowna and Vancouver.
"We're launching a new brand outside the YPG umbrella to build a different, media tech culture," said Mediative president Patrick Lauzon. "Yellow Pages has never been a product that ad agencies have traditionally worked with. As the media world migrates to digital, there's been a huge opportunity to get going with these national advertisers."
Yellow Pages Group intends to leverage its network of print and online properties–including Autotrader.ca, RedFlagDeals.com and YellowPages.ca–to provide display advertising and audience targeting on Canada's leading online and mobile ad networks, as well as vertical ad products and solutions in the automotive, real estate and retail categories.
Mediative will also sell online advertising inventories for publishers including Future Shop, Best Buy, Walmart, Toys R Us, Martha Stewart, ET Online and the CFL.
"We have 11.7 million unique visitors that come to YPG properties every month, even before these acquisitions," said Lauzon. "Yet, we still weren't [connecting] with agencies or coordinated [enough] to be a display ad reseller. The initiation of [the acquisitions] was really, 'How do we regroup these properties and create a group that will go out and sell them?' "
With the addition of Ad Splash and Up Trend alone, Lauzon said Mediative has grown its ad space to 250 sites.
"Mediative is the next step in YPG's digital growth strategy." said Marc P. Tellier, president and CEO of Yellow Pages Group, in a statement. "We now have the products and team to serve advertisers looking for robust and cost-effective digital marketing solutions."
Colour acquires a new shade of digital with E3
Halifax agency Colour has bolstered its digital capabilities with the acquisition of Toronto-based web design and development agency E3 Online Marketing.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Colour president and CEO Chris Keevill called the deal a logical step in an ongoing process to make Colour's service offering "much more digitally centred."
"This is a continuation and acceleration of that, because in one fell swoop we've been able to add digital resources and establish a new presence in a new market where we think our value proposition will be well received," he said.
Established in 1999 by Brad Bettinson, Toronto-based E3 has worked with major brands including McDonald's, Koodoo, ESPN, XBox, Coke and Cadbury. As part of the deal, Bettinson will become a Colour shareholder and join the agency as managing partner of its digital practice.
http://www.marketingmag.ca/english/news/agency/article.jsp?content=20101022_164017_6428
Established in 1977, Colour's client list includes Royal LePage Atlantic, Nova Scotia Tourism, Exxon Mobil Canada and the Atlantic Lottery Corporation. The company is not in acquisition mode, Keevill stressed, but is on the lookout for potentially beneficial deals.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Colour president and CEO Chris Keevill called the deal a logical step in an ongoing process to make Colour's service offering "much more digitally centred."
"This is a continuation and acceleration of that, because in one fell swoop we've been able to add digital resources and establish a new presence in a new market where we think our value proposition will be well received," he said.
Established in 1999 by Brad Bettinson, Toronto-based E3 has worked with major brands including McDonald's, Koodoo, ESPN, XBox, Coke and Cadbury. As part of the deal, Bettinson will become a Colour shareholder and join the agency as managing partner of its digital practice.
http://www.marketingmag.ca/english/news/agency/article.jsp?content=20101022_164017_6428
Established in 1977, Colour's client list includes Royal LePage Atlantic, Nova Scotia Tourism, Exxon Mobil Canada and the Atlantic Lottery Corporation. The company is not in acquisition mode, Keevill stressed, but is on the lookout for potentially beneficial deals.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Omnicom acquires Excerpta
Omnicom Group said Monday it has acquired Excerpta Medica, a company that runs public relations for pharmaceutical firms, from the British publisher Reed Elsevier Group PLC.
Omnicom said Excerpta will complement its own pharmaceutical communications division, Adelphi. The company did not release financial terms.
It said that Excerpta, which has offices in Amsterdam, New Jersey and London, will continue to operate as an independent business.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Omnicom-acquires-division-of-apf-3939394713.html?x=0&.v=1
Omnicom said Excerpta will complement its own pharmaceutical communications division, Adelphi. The company did not release financial terms.
It said that Excerpta, which has offices in Amsterdam, New Jersey and London, will continue to operate as an independent business.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Omnicom-acquires-division-of-apf-3939394713.html?x=0&.v=1
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Yahoo Buys Ad Tech Startup Dapper
http://adage.com/digital/article?article_id=146306
Yahoo has acquired San Francisco-based Dapper, a startup with technology that personalizes display ads based on the presumed interests of the viewer, for an undisclosed sum.
The 32-person company, with offices in Israel and New York, had been a part of Yahoo's display ad program, working with advertisers buying on Yahoo's Right Media ad exchange. Yahoo execs decided to buy the company so that its technology could be used to deliver highly personalized ads on Yahoo's highest-trafficked properties, such as the home page.
"We have vast amounts of insights we can leverage with this technology," said Dev Patel, VP-advertising and publisher solutions at Yahoo. "This will allow us to deliver dynamic ads in places we wouldn't allow other vendors."
Dapper's technology targets ad creative based on user intent using data like prior web searches, items viewed at online retailers or content on previously viewed webpages. The technology will allow Yahoo to direct custom creative at users, including re-targeted offers based on what users have viewed on other sites.
"You could have been on my site and then I have the opportunity to serve you [an ad] at a later time," said Frank Weishaupt, Yahoo VP-North American sales.
The technology can make display ads very specific to the user, even jarringly personal, which works for advertisers but also raises privacy concerns.
Yahoo will continue to offer Dapper technology to other advertisers, including those not advertising on Yahoo. It comes nearly a year after Google bought a similar company in Teracent, which creates dynamic display ads that target consumers based on their interests.
Other companies in the space include Tumri, Criteo and Pointroll, which has been owned by Gannett since 2005. The acquisition is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2010
Yahoo has acquired San Francisco-based Dapper, a startup with technology that personalizes display ads based on the presumed interests of the viewer, for an undisclosed sum.
The 32-person company, with offices in Israel and New York, had been a part of Yahoo's display ad program, working with advertisers buying on Yahoo's Right Media ad exchange. Yahoo execs decided to buy the company so that its technology could be used to deliver highly personalized ads on Yahoo's highest-trafficked properties, such as the home page.
"We have vast amounts of insights we can leverage with this technology," said Dev Patel, VP-advertising and publisher solutions at Yahoo. "This will allow us to deliver dynamic ads in places we wouldn't allow other vendors."
Dapper's technology targets ad creative based on user intent using data like prior web searches, items viewed at online retailers or content on previously viewed webpages. The technology will allow Yahoo to direct custom creative at users, including re-targeted offers based on what users have viewed on other sites.
"You could have been on my site and then I have the opportunity to serve you [an ad] at a later time," said Frank Weishaupt, Yahoo VP-North American sales.
The technology can make display ads very specific to the user, even jarringly personal, which works for advertisers but also raises privacy concerns.
Yahoo will continue to offer Dapper technology to other advertisers, including those not advertising on Yahoo. It comes nearly a year after Google bought a similar company in Teracent, which creates dynamic display ads that target consumers based on their interests.
Other companies in the space include Tumri, Criteo and Pointroll, which has been owned by Gannett since 2005. The acquisition is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
Rosetta Acquires LEVEL Studios
http://www.rosetta.com/WhoWeAre/News/Pages/ViewPress.aspx?itemid=222
Rosetta, the nation’s largest independent digital and direct interactive agency, and LEVEL Studios, the California-based integrated marketing and product development agency, today announced the acquisition of LEVEL by Rosetta. Purchase price and terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
The combination, which places Rosetta among the top five digital advertising agencies in the US, was motivated by the desire of the two independent agencies to anticipate and meet the evolving needs of their clients for increasingly sophisticated and integrated marketing strategies and programs across all interactive touch points. The addition of LEVEL’s three California locations gives Rosetta a significant West Coast presence and the ability to better serve clients wherever they are located.
LEVEL’s expertise in creating personally relevant total user experiences through the interplay of branded content, technology platforms and connected devices has powered the agency’s rapid growth to a projected $45 million in 2010. This expertise has enabled LEVEL to help build stronger relationships between brands and consumers for leading clients such as Hewlett-Packard, Cisco, Apple, Qualcomm, Toyota, Micron and RIM.
With 215 team members across its San Luis Obispo (headquarters), San Jose and Los Angeles, CA studios, LEVEL has successfully driven a culture of innovation through LEVEL Labs, an R&D effort focused on the evolution of user experience, digital content delivery and mobile application development.
With the acquisition, Rosetta will have estimated 2010 revenues of $215 million, more than 1,000 team members, 10 offices in the US and Canada, and unsurpassed expertise across all digital and direct touch points. Prior to the acquisition of LEVEL, Rosetta ranked as the nation’s largest independent interactive agency and one of the 10 largest overall, according to Advertising Age.
Rosetta, the nation’s largest independent digital and direct interactive agency, and LEVEL Studios, the California-based integrated marketing and product development agency, today announced the acquisition of LEVEL by Rosetta. Purchase price and terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
The combination, which places Rosetta among the top five digital advertising agencies in the US, was motivated by the desire of the two independent agencies to anticipate and meet the evolving needs of their clients for increasingly sophisticated and integrated marketing strategies and programs across all interactive touch points. The addition of LEVEL’s three California locations gives Rosetta a significant West Coast presence and the ability to better serve clients wherever they are located.
LEVEL’s expertise in creating personally relevant total user experiences through the interplay of branded content, technology platforms and connected devices has powered the agency’s rapid growth to a projected $45 million in 2010. This expertise has enabled LEVEL to help build stronger relationships between brands and consumers for leading clients such as Hewlett-Packard, Cisco, Apple, Qualcomm, Toyota, Micron and RIM.
With 215 team members across its San Luis Obispo (headquarters), San Jose and Los Angeles, CA studios, LEVEL has successfully driven a culture of innovation through LEVEL Labs, an R&D effort focused on the evolution of user experience, digital content delivery and mobile application development.
With the acquisition, Rosetta will have estimated 2010 revenues of $215 million, more than 1,000 team members, 10 offices in the US and Canada, and unsurpassed expertise across all digital and direct touch points. Prior to the acquisition of LEVEL, Rosetta ranked as the nation’s largest independent interactive agency and one of the 10 largest overall, according to Advertising Age.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Havas Takes Over Search Firm Acmic
http://www.adweek.com/aw/content_display/news/agency/e3i38fc3a9296f214d3ad4eecb2b6df656b
Havas has taken a majority stake in SEO firm Acmic Interactive, renaming the company Euro RSCG 4D Matrix. Acmic services domestic and global clients, offering a range of digital services, including search engine marketing, search engine optimization, social media marketing, display advertising, mobile marketing, analytics and Web design. It is headquartered in Bangalore, India, and is staffed with 60 employees.
Havas has taken a majority stake in SEO firm Acmic Interactive, renaming the company Euro RSCG 4D Matrix. Acmic services domestic and global clients, offering a range of digital services, including search engine marketing, search engine optimization, social media marketing, display advertising, mobile marketing, analytics and Web design. It is headquartered in Bangalore, India, and is staffed with 60 employees.
JWT Acquires Digitaria
http://www.adweek.com/aw/content_display/news/agency/e3i08c9076cee49da84835eb0547d78b253?imw=Y
JWT has acquired Digitaria, a San Diego-based shop known for its development of Web sites and mobile platforms for the likes of the National Football League, Best Western and Qualcomm.
The 100-person shop will become a separate unit of JWT, with its own management and profit and loss responsibilities. Current CEO Dan Khabie will remain in that capacity.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Digitaria, which opened in 1997, generated more than $14 million in revenue in the 12 months that ended on March 31, according to WPP.Digitaria also has service offices in New York, Dallas and Los Angeles, with a couple of account management and sales executives in each. As a unit of JWT, the shop hopes to work on global brands and expand to overseas markets, according to David Eastman, worldwide digital director and North American CEO at JWT.
In a statement, Khabie said that JWT "offers our team the opportunity to excel on a global playing field."Digitaria represents Eastman's first acquisition since he became worldwide digital director in February 2009. He continues to scout for other potential deals, particularly in the realm of social media marketing.
Deal-making is part of a three-pronged strategy Eastman is pursuing to develop JWT's capabilities in the digital space.
JWT has acquired Digitaria, a San Diego-based shop known for its development of Web sites and mobile platforms for the likes of the National Football League, Best Western and Qualcomm.
The 100-person shop will become a separate unit of JWT, with its own management and profit and loss responsibilities. Current CEO Dan Khabie will remain in that capacity.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Digitaria, which opened in 1997, generated more than $14 million in revenue in the 12 months that ended on March 31, according to WPP.Digitaria also has service offices in New York, Dallas and Los Angeles, with a couple of account management and sales executives in each. As a unit of JWT, the shop hopes to work on global brands and expand to overseas markets, according to David Eastman, worldwide digital director and North American CEO at JWT.
In a statement, Khabie said that JWT "offers our team the opportunity to excel on a global playing field."Digitaria represents Eastman's first acquisition since he became worldwide digital director in February 2009. He continues to scout for other potential deals, particularly in the realm of social media marketing.
Deal-making is part of a three-pronged strategy Eastman is pursuing to develop JWT's capabilities in the digital space.
Social network ad spending to hit $1.7 billion in 2010
http://venturebeat.com/2010/08/16/social-network-ad-spending-to-hit-1-7-billion-in-2010/
According to new research released Monday by eMarketer, U.S. advertisers will spend an estimated $1.7 billion in ads on social networks in 2010, accounting for 6.7 percent of all online ad spending.
The dramatic rise — with growth of 20 percent this year, accelerating to 24 percent next year — shows why Google, the biggest player in online advertising, is finally taking the threat from social networks seriously, and Facebook is moving to protect its turf.
The gradual economic recovery and the growing relevancy of social media in marketers’ mindshares is credited for the increase in spending. eMarketer previously forecast the market at $1.3 billion back in December. The research firm says it has increased its predictions as a result of “strong performance from online ad spending in general, and Facebook in particular.”
According to new research released Monday by eMarketer, U.S. advertisers will spend an estimated $1.7 billion in ads on social networks in 2010, accounting for 6.7 percent of all online ad spending.
The dramatic rise — with growth of 20 percent this year, accelerating to 24 percent next year — shows why Google, the biggest player in online advertising, is finally taking the threat from social networks seriously, and Facebook is moving to protect its turf.
The gradual economic recovery and the growing relevancy of social media in marketers’ mindshares is credited for the increase in spending. eMarketer previously forecast the market at $1.3 billion back in December. The research firm says it has increased its predictions as a result of “strong performance from online ad spending in general, and Facebook in particular.”
LeapFrog Solutions Acquires Kensington Creative Worldwide
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20100817005136/en/LeapFrog-Solutions-Acquires-Kensington-Creative-Worldwide
LeapFrog Solutions, Inc., a full-service strategic marketing communications firm, announced today that it has acquired Kensington Creative Worldwide, Inc., a graphic design studio and marketing agency based in McLean, Virginia.
LeapFrog Solutions, Inc., a full-service strategic marketing communications firm, announced today that it has acquired Kensington Creative Worldwide, Inc., a graphic design studio and marketing agency based in McLean, Virginia.
Canadian Primedia Acquires Kubas Consultants
http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/92390
Canadian Primedia, Canada's largest independent print and online rep house, has acquired Kubas Consultants, a marketing research and consulting firm established in 1977.
Kubas Consultants, headed by research pioneer Len Kubas, serves U.S., Canadian and international clients in sectors such as retailing, media, financial services and allied industries on consumer and business to business issues.
"This acquisition diversifies and strengthens Primedia and provides us with some exciting new services to add to our company's offering," said Ron Clark, President Canadian Primedia.
Canadian Primedia, Canada's largest independent print and online rep house, has acquired Kubas Consultants, a marketing research and consulting firm established in 1977.
Kubas Consultants, headed by research pioneer Len Kubas, serves U.S., Canadian and international clients in sectors such as retailing, media, financial services and allied industries on consumer and business to business issues.
"This acquisition diversifies and strengthens Primedia and provides us with some exciting new services to add to our company's offering," said Ron Clark, President Canadian Primedia.
SPAR Group Completes Acquisition of Wings & Ink & National Marketing Services
http://www.wingsink.com/announcement.html
April 2010
SPAR Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:SGRP) (the "Company" or "SPAR"), a leading supplier of retail merchandising and other marketing services throughout the United States and internationally, today announced it has completed the acquisition of Wings & Ink, a leading marketing and merchandising company serving customers throughout Canada. The transaction is expected to generate at least $3 million in annualized revenues.
Wings & Ink marks the second acquisition, including National Marketing Services, which SPAR has made within the last 4 months. The combined acquisitions will add approximately $9 million in total revenue on an annualized basis. The Wings & Ink transaction is in line with the Company's previously announced growth strategy of acquiring synergistic businesses that can be immediately implemented into the Company's core marketing and merchandising business. This acquisition is being funded with existing working capital and a portion of existing debt. The final purchase price of the acquisition is based on a twenty-four month earn out agreement.
Wings & Ink further enhances SPAR's existing presence in Canada through its subsidiary, SPAR Canada. Wings & Ink operates in a similar fashion to SPAR through two divisions, marketing and merchandising services. Wings & Ink was founded in 1994 and has built a reputation and brand name as a quality company in the industry, providing excellent customer service. The transaction adds many new clients to SPAR Canada's customer base which are well known retailers and consumer package goods manufacturers. SPAR Canada welcomes Wings & Ink's core management team, including the managing director, to the SPAR Canada team. The new management team's experience in operating within the merchandising industry in Canada is expected to help grow SPAR's business through new customer relationships and cross selling opportunities."Operating in the niche business of marketing and merchandising services and being an industry leader has presented SPAR with the fortunate opportunity to acquire valuable assets at attractive valuations to help fuel the growth of our business," stated Gary Raymond, President and CEO of SPAR Group Inc.
"Today SPAR Canada is operating successfully on a national and multi-lingual basis in Canada and continues to enjoy a strong recurring business with existing customers. Wings & Ink not only adds a new retail and manufacturing customer base, but also helps us enhance our market penetration in all geographical regions of Canada through the added workforce and reach of Wings & Ink. We believe the combination of our proprietary technology, the Wings and Ink team and their great customer service is a winning platform for growth and margin improvements. Although the transaction closed on April 1, 2010 both teams have been working diligently over the past several months to ensure that the finalized combination of SPAR Canada and Wings & Ink would make a seamless transition. Going forward we will continue to aggressively evaluate acquisition opportunities such as Wings & Ink and National Marketing Services to help grow our business and further cement ourselves as an industry leader."
April 2010
SPAR Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:SGRP) (the "Company" or "SPAR"), a leading supplier of retail merchandising and other marketing services throughout the United States and internationally, today announced it has completed the acquisition of Wings & Ink, a leading marketing and merchandising company serving customers throughout Canada. The transaction is expected to generate at least $3 million in annualized revenues.
Wings & Ink marks the second acquisition, including National Marketing Services, which SPAR has made within the last 4 months. The combined acquisitions will add approximately $9 million in total revenue on an annualized basis. The Wings & Ink transaction is in line with the Company's previously announced growth strategy of acquiring synergistic businesses that can be immediately implemented into the Company's core marketing and merchandising business. This acquisition is being funded with existing working capital and a portion of existing debt. The final purchase price of the acquisition is based on a twenty-four month earn out agreement.
Wings & Ink further enhances SPAR's existing presence in Canada through its subsidiary, SPAR Canada. Wings & Ink operates in a similar fashion to SPAR through two divisions, marketing and merchandising services. Wings & Ink was founded in 1994 and has built a reputation and brand name as a quality company in the industry, providing excellent customer service. The transaction adds many new clients to SPAR Canada's customer base which are well known retailers and consumer package goods manufacturers. SPAR Canada welcomes Wings & Ink's core management team, including the managing director, to the SPAR Canada team. The new management team's experience in operating within the merchandising industry in Canada is expected to help grow SPAR's business through new customer relationships and cross selling opportunities."Operating in the niche business of marketing and merchandising services and being an industry leader has presented SPAR with the fortunate opportunity to acquire valuable assets at attractive valuations to help fuel the growth of our business," stated Gary Raymond, President and CEO of SPAR Group Inc.
"Today SPAR Canada is operating successfully on a national and multi-lingual basis in Canada and continues to enjoy a strong recurring business with existing customers. Wings & Ink not only adds a new retail and manufacturing customer base, but also helps us enhance our market penetration in all geographical regions of Canada through the added workforce and reach of Wings & Ink. We believe the combination of our proprietary technology, the Wings and Ink team and their great customer service is a winning platform for growth and margin improvements. Although the transaction closed on April 1, 2010 both teams have been working diligently over the past several months to ensure that the finalized combination of SPAR Canada and Wings & Ink would make a seamless transition. Going forward we will continue to aggressively evaluate acquisition opportunities such as Wings & Ink and National Marketing Services to help grow our business and further cement ourselves as an industry leader."
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Syncapse Corp. Raises Private Equity Funding for Expansion of Social Technology Platform,
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Syncapse-Corp-Raises-Private-Equity-Funding-Expansion-Social-Technology-Platform-Adds-1256987.htm
The expansion of Syncapse's Board of Directors is concurrent with a recent private equity raise of $3.3 million that will further accelerate Syncapse's global growth. Syncapse will use the funding to invest in the expansion of SocialTALK™, a tool that allows brands to more effectively create, publish and measure their content strategy and posting schedules. SocialTALK launched in February 2010 and continues to experience record success in its early days on the market.
The expansion of Syncapse's Board of Directors is concurrent with a recent private equity raise of $3.3 million that will further accelerate Syncapse's global growth. Syncapse will use the funding to invest in the expansion of SocialTALK™, a tool that allows brands to more effectively create, publish and measure their content strategy and posting schedules. SocialTALK launched in February 2010 and continues to experience record success in its early days on the market.
Syncapse Corp. Acquires Nudge Social Media
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Syncapse-Corp-Acquires-Nudge-Social-Media-Deepening-Its-Technology-Solutions-Suite-Global-1316387.htm
Syncapse Corp., a global leader in social media technology, today announced the completion of its acquisition of Nudge Social Media, a leading London-based social media development firm specializing in social campaigns, Facebook fan pages, applications and games on social networks for brands and agencies.
Syncapse Corp., a global leader in social media technology, today announced the completion of its acquisition of Nudge Social Media, a leading London-based social media development firm specializing in social campaigns, Facebook fan pages, applications and games on social networks for brands and agencies.
Neo acquisition drives a new kind of in-mall Traffic
http://www.marketingmag.ca/english/news/media/article.jsp?content=20100914_150152_7796
Mall advertising company Traffic has expanded its product offering with the acquisition of digital ad firm Neo Advertising Canada. The company has also changed its name to Neo-Traffic. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Traffic specializes in static mall displays and offers experiential marketing capabilities through its Promotions Speed division. Neo Advertising operated approximately 500 digital screens in the food courts of 60 malls across the country.
The merger gives the newly created company a combination of static and digital inventory in 120 of the country's largest malls. The company says it reaches 2.8 million customers a day.
According to Neo-Traffic vice-president and co-founder Ronald Tapiéro, the two companies have had an informal working relationship for the past two years.
"[Neo Advertising] wanted to get out of Canada to focus on their business in Europe, and we were interested in moving into the digital business," said Tapiéro of Monday's transaction. "For us it was a perfect opportunity, and because we knew the company well, it was a pretty easy deal to make."
Tapiéro said there are no short-term plans to transform any of Neo-Traffic's existing static inventory into a digital format, but predicted an industry-wide adoption of digital technology within the next 10 years.
"Some advertisers are still more interested in static and some are more interested in digital," he said. "The fact that we have all different formats helps ensure we meet all their needs."
The deal will have no impact on advertising rates, said Tapiéro.
Mall advertising company Traffic has expanded its product offering with the acquisition of digital ad firm Neo Advertising Canada. The company has also changed its name to Neo-Traffic. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Traffic specializes in static mall displays and offers experiential marketing capabilities through its Promotions Speed division. Neo Advertising operated approximately 500 digital screens in the food courts of 60 malls across the country.
The merger gives the newly created company a combination of static and digital inventory in 120 of the country's largest malls. The company says it reaches 2.8 million customers a day.
According to Neo-Traffic vice-president and co-founder Ronald Tapiéro, the two companies have had an informal working relationship for the past two years.
"[Neo Advertising] wanted to get out of Canada to focus on their business in Europe, and we were interested in moving into the digital business," said Tapiéro of Monday's transaction. "For us it was a perfect opportunity, and because we knew the company well, it was a pretty easy deal to make."
Tapiéro said there are no short-term plans to transform any of Neo-Traffic's existing static inventory into a digital format, but predicted an industry-wide adoption of digital technology within the next 10 years.
"Some advertisers are still more interested in static and some are more interested in digital," he said. "The fact that we have all different formats helps ensure we meet all their needs."
The deal will have no impact on advertising rates, said Tapiéro.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Mijo acquires Adbeast
http://www.marketingmag.ca/english/news/agency/article.jsp?content=20100902_144127_4856
Digital television and radio spot distributor Mijo has expanded its operational scope with the purchase of Toronto-based Adbeast. Terms of the sale were not disclosed.
Established in 2000, Adbeast caters to the marketing and advertising industry by offering online workspaces and collaboration networks. Its suite of services enable real-time collaboration on everything from creative development and project supervision to commercial production, digital archiving and awards show management.
"We'll now be able to provide the whole spectrum of services for the creative community," said Dan Wong, director, sales and marketing for Mijo. "It can be either a la carte or a full-service response."
In a message on the Adbeast web site, company founder and CEO Steve Hancock said that combining with Mijo allows the company "to create a collaboration platform and comprehensive suite of services that can manage every aspect of the creative process from concept to final distribution across any media. This is an offering that is unparalleled in the industry."
Hancock will join Mijo as vice-president, principal. No staffing changes are expected as a result of the acquisition.
Cynthia Littler, Mijo's senior vice-president, managing director, said that the Adbeast name will be retained. "We believe there's a lot of brand equity," she said.
Originally published in Marketing Magazine,
-->
Digital television and radio spot distributor Mijo has expanded its operational scope with the purchase of Toronto-based Adbeast. Terms of the sale were not disclosed.
Established in 2000, Adbeast caters to the marketing and advertising industry by offering online workspaces and collaboration networks. Its suite of services enable real-time collaboration on everything from creative development and project supervision to commercial production, digital archiving and awards show management.
"We'll now be able to provide the whole spectrum of services for the creative community," said Dan Wong, director, sales and marketing for Mijo. "It can be either a la carte or a full-service response."
In a message on the Adbeast web site, company founder and CEO Steve Hancock said that combining with Mijo allows the company "to create a collaboration platform and comprehensive suite of services that can manage every aspect of the creative process from concept to final distribution across any media. This is an offering that is unparalleled in the industry."
Hancock will join Mijo as vice-president, principal. No staffing changes are expected as a result of the acquisition.
Cynthia Littler, Mijo's senior vice-president, managing director, said that the Adbeast name will be retained. "We believe there's a lot of brand equity," she said.
Originally published in Marketing Magazine,
-->
Source Marketing (MDC sub) acquires Plaid, creates Humongo
http://www.fairfieldcitizenonline.com/default/article/Merger-creates-Humongo-firm-414947.php
The merger with Source Marketing, a subsidiary of New York City-based marketing communications firm MDC Partners, will allow Humongo to handle an ever-increasing workload as a result of the growing social media sector, Orht said.
The merger with Source Marketing, a subsidiary of New York City-based marketing communications firm MDC Partners, will allow Humongo to handle an ever-increasing workload as a result of the growing social media sector, Orht said.
Kirshenbaum Bond Senecal & Partners acquiring Kwittken & Company
Kirshenbaum Bond Senecal & Partners in New York, which is owned by MDC, is acquiring a majority stake in Kwittken & Company, a public relations agency in New York with annual revenue approaching $10 million and clients like Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, McGraw-Hill and Thomson Reuters.
The acquisition is costing MDC an estimated $10 million to $15 million. Kwittken will become an operating unit of Kirshenbaum Bond Senecal, the second-largest MDC agency after Crispin Porter & Bogusky. Additional information about the deal is to be announced on Thursday by executives of Kwittken and Kirshenbaum Bond Senecal.
Adrenalina, an MDC agency specializing in marketing to Hispanic consumers, was recently merged with Kirshenbaum Bond Senecal.
So, too, were two MDC agencies in Atlanta: Fletcher Martin and TrendCore, which gave Kirshenbaum Bond Senecal an Atlanta office, its first outside New York since 2006, when an office in San Francisco was closed after nine years.
Last fall, MDC described plans to spend $100 million on acquisitions in the coming 12 to 18 months. “Already, we’ve spent $75 million,” Mr. Nadal said, “and we’ve got lots more planned.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/09/business/media/09adco.html?_r=1&ref=media
The acquisition is costing MDC an estimated $10 million to $15 million. Kwittken will become an operating unit of Kirshenbaum Bond Senecal, the second-largest MDC agency after Crispin Porter & Bogusky. Additional information about the deal is to be announced on Thursday by executives of Kwittken and Kirshenbaum Bond Senecal.
Adrenalina, an MDC agency specializing in marketing to Hispanic consumers, was recently merged with Kirshenbaum Bond Senecal.
So, too, were two MDC agencies in Atlanta: Fletcher Martin and TrendCore, which gave Kirshenbaum Bond Senecal an Atlanta office, its first outside New York since 2006, when an office in San Francisco was closed after nine years.
Last fall, MDC described plans to spend $100 million on acquisitions in the coming 12 to 18 months. “Already, we’ve spent $75 million,” Mr. Nadal said, “and we’ve got lots more planned.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/09/business/media/09adco.html?_r=1&ref=media
Eric Silver Becomes Majority Owner of Amalgamated, New York
http://adage.com/agencynews/article?article_id=145770
Eric Silver is trading in big-agency life to run a small, indie shop. The former top creative at Omnicom Group's DDB is taking a majority ownership stake in 34-person Amalgamated, New York, and will serve as its chief creative officer.
Until now, the three admen who set up Amalgamated in 2003 all had equal stakes in the shop. As part of the changes, co-founder and executive creative director Jason Gaboriau -- who plans to leave the agency to pursue a creative position at a larger shop -- has sold his stake to Mr. Silver. The two other co-founders, Director of Strategy Doug Cameron and CEO Charles Rosen, have also sold portions of their stakes to Mr. Silver, though both maintain minority interest and are remaining with the agency in their current titles.
Mr. Silver's move to Amalgamated reunites a team that worked together for five years at Cliff Freeman in the late 1990s, producing work for clients such as Mike's Hard Lemonade, Fox Sports and Budget Car Rental and other brands. "All of us spent quite a bit of time together at Cliff Freeman," said Amalgamated CEO Mr. Rosen. "Eric quit and 15 minutes later, Doug, Jason and I went into Cliff's office; the three of us left to go start a small agency and he left to take on big-agency opportunities. We all chose the thing we needed to choose at that time. In that seven or eight years, Doug and I learned what we'd need to do to take the agency to the next level to attract a certain calber of clients, and Eric became very, very ready to do his own thing, but it took him that journey to be ready to do that."
Mr. Silver has already contributed to bringing in a new client for Amalgamated; he helped lead a pitch for used car company CarMax in which it last week prevailed as the winner. That account is a boost for the shop, which earlier this year lost longtime client Mike's Hard Lemonade to Arnold, New York after a review. In addition to Carmax, the agency's current client roster includes Unilever's Ben & Jerry's brand, Coca-Cola Co., Qdoba Mexican Grill and MSG Networks.
Eric Silver is trading in big-agency life to run a small, indie shop. The former top creative at Omnicom Group's DDB is taking a majority ownership stake in 34-person Amalgamated, New York, and will serve as its chief creative officer.
Until now, the three admen who set up Amalgamated in 2003 all had equal stakes in the shop. As part of the changes, co-founder and executive creative director Jason Gaboriau -- who plans to leave the agency to pursue a creative position at a larger shop -- has sold his stake to Mr. Silver. The two other co-founders, Director of Strategy Doug Cameron and CEO Charles Rosen, have also sold portions of their stakes to Mr. Silver, though both maintain minority interest and are remaining with the agency in their current titles.
Mr. Silver's move to Amalgamated reunites a team that worked together for five years at Cliff Freeman in the late 1990s, producing work for clients such as Mike's Hard Lemonade, Fox Sports and Budget Car Rental and other brands. "All of us spent quite a bit of time together at Cliff Freeman," said Amalgamated CEO Mr. Rosen. "Eric quit and 15 minutes later, Doug, Jason and I went into Cliff's office; the three of us left to go start a small agency and he left to take on big-agency opportunities. We all chose the thing we needed to choose at that time. In that seven or eight years, Doug and I learned what we'd need to do to take the agency to the next level to attract a certain calber of clients, and Eric became very, very ready to do his own thing, but it took him that journey to be ready to do that."
Mr. Silver has already contributed to bringing in a new client for Amalgamated; he helped lead a pitch for used car company CarMax in which it last week prevailed as the winner. That account is a boost for the shop, which earlier this year lost longtime client Mike's Hard Lemonade to Arnold, New York after a review. In addition to Carmax, the agency's current client roster includes Unilever's Ben & Jerry's brand, Coca-Cola Co., Qdoba Mexican Grill and MSG Networks.
Newspapers Slow Declines in Ads
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703720004575477731838444818.html?mod=WSJ_business_whatsNews
Spending on newspaper ads across the U.S. declined 5.6% in the second quarter, an industry trade group said Tuesday, marking another quarter that the decrease has narrowed on a year-over-year basis.
Total print- and online-advertising expenditures fell to $6.44 billion from $6.82 billion in the second quarter of 2009, according to the Newspaper Association of America.
After dropping 29% in the second quarter of 2009, the rate of decline in ad spending slipped slightly to 27.9% in the third quarter of that year, and then to 23.7% in the fourth quarter. The decline then moderated considerably in the first quarter of 2010, to 9.7%.
Spending on newspaper ads across the U.S. declined 5.6% in the second quarter, an industry trade group said Tuesday, marking another quarter that the decrease has narrowed on a year-over-year basis.
Total print- and online-advertising expenditures fell to $6.44 billion from $6.82 billion in the second quarter of 2009, according to the Newspaper Association of America.
After dropping 29% in the second quarter of 2009, the rate of decline in ad spending slipped slightly to 27.9% in the third quarter of that year, and then to 23.7% in the fourth quarter. The decline then moderated considerably in the first quarter of 2010, to 9.7%.
Study: Marketers set to splurge for online data sources
http://www.btobonline.com/article/20100908/FREE/100909957/study-marketers-set-to-splurge-for-online-data-sources U.S. marketers will more than double their annual spending on online-derived data sources over the next two years, investing as much as $840.0 million by 2012 on database lists and information about digital audiences and online behaviors, according to a new report by marketing consultancy Winterberry Group.
The report, “The Changing Mission of Marketing Data,” noted that U.S. marketers will gradually increase their spending on all marketing data, to $8.0 billion by 2012, but the entirely of that growth, as much as $1.5 billion, will be driven by digital vendors, such as online data compilers and exchange platforms.
Winterberry said the greatest challenge for marketers is managing “integrated data,” including contact information from online resources together with traditional database management vendors, publishers and e-commerce platforms.
The report was jointly sponsored by marketing data company Acxiom Corp. and data warehousing company Netezza Corp.
http://www.netezza.com/eBooks/changing-mission.pdf
The report, “The Changing Mission of Marketing Data,” noted that U.S. marketers will gradually increase their spending on all marketing data, to $8.0 billion by 2012, but the entirely of that growth, as much as $1.5 billion, will be driven by digital vendors, such as online data compilers and exchange platforms.
Winterberry said the greatest challenge for marketers is managing “integrated data,” including contact information from online resources together with traditional database management vendors, publishers and e-commerce platforms.
The report was jointly sponsored by marketing data company Acxiom Corp. and data warehousing company Netezza Corp.
http://www.netezza.com/eBooks/changing-mission.pdf
Alterian acquires Intrepid
http://www.alterian.com/ourcompany/intrepid/
http://www.alterian.com/ourcompany/newsevents/news/intrepid/
Alterian (LSE: ALN), the leader in customer engagement technology and solutions, today announced that it has acquired Intrepid, an international market research and social media analytics consultancy. The acquisition further strengthens Alterian's market leadership position in social media marketing, and its application to the mainstream marketing mix.
Intrepid is a consulting business with a heavy focus on providing insights using social media data, enabling social media to be integrated as a core element of mainstream marketing. The company has around 40 staff, and offices in Seattle and London as well as a rapidly growing social media analytics team in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Intrepid is a long standing user of Alterian’s social media monitoring and analytics product, Alterian SM2.
http://www.alterian.com/ourcompany/newsevents/news/intrepid/
Alterian (LSE: ALN), the leader in customer engagement technology and solutions, today announced that it has acquired Intrepid, an international market research and social media analytics consultancy. The acquisition further strengthens Alterian's market leadership position in social media marketing, and its application to the mainstream marketing mix.
Intrepid is a consulting business with a heavy focus on providing insights using social media data, enabling social media to be integrated as a core element of mainstream marketing. The company has around 40 staff, and offices in Seattle and London as well as a rapidly growing social media analytics team in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Intrepid is a long standing user of Alterian’s social media monitoring and analytics product, Alterian SM2.
MarketShare Partners buys JovianData
Marketing analytics and technology company MarketShare Partners has acquired business intelligence company JovianData for an undisclosed price.
MarketShare's software analyzes search, display and social media to determine the impact of these channels on traditional advertising. The company said the acquisition of JovianData technology, which manages data from multiple advertising sources, will enable it to analyze larger data sets faster and more efficiently for quick campaign adjustments.
JovianData employees in San Jose, Calif., and Bangalore, India, will join MarketShare, with JovianData co-founder and CEO Parveen Jain joining MarketShare's board of advisers.
http://www.btobonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100827/FREE/100829924/1078/newsletter011
http://techcrunch.com/2010/08/25/marketshare-partners-acquires-marketing-and-data-analytics-company-joviandata/
"We hear the acquisition price is roughly $8 million but MarketShare Partners declined to reveal the terms of the deal. "
MarketShare previously raised capital from Elevation Partners.
http://www.marketsharepartners.com/documents/EPMSPPressRelease_000.pdf
MarketShare's software analyzes search, display and social media to determine the impact of these channels on traditional advertising. The company said the acquisition of JovianData technology, which manages data from multiple advertising sources, will enable it to analyze larger data sets faster and more efficiently for quick campaign adjustments.
JovianData employees in San Jose, Calif., and Bangalore, India, will join MarketShare, with JovianData co-founder and CEO Parveen Jain joining MarketShare's board of advisers.
http://www.btobonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100827/FREE/100829924/1078/newsletter011
http://techcrunch.com/2010/08/25/marketshare-partners-acquires-marketing-and-data-analytics-company-joviandata/
"We hear the acquisition price is roughly $8 million but MarketShare Partners declined to reveal the terms of the deal. "
MarketShare previously raised capital from Elevation Partners.
http://www.marketsharepartners.com/documents/EPMSPPressRelease_000.pdf
LeapFrog Solutions acquires Kensington Creative
LeapFrog Solutions, a strategic marketing communications company, announced the acquisition of graphic design and marketing agency Kensington Creative Worldwide, McLean, Va. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Under the acquisition, Kensington Creative will be integrated into LeapFrog Solutions, and its staff will relocate to LeapFrog’s office here. http://www.btobonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100816/FREE/100819934/1078/newsletter011
Under the acquisition, Kensington Creative will be integrated into LeapFrog Solutions, and its staff will relocate to LeapFrog’s office here. http://www.btobonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100816/FREE/100819934/1078/newsletter011
IBM to acquire Unica for $480 million
http://www.btobonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100813/FREE/100819958/1078/newsletter011
IBM Corp. continues to push into the marketing automation and consulting arena, announcing today it will acquire marketing management software company Unica Corp. for $480 million.
Unica, based in Waltham, Mass., offers such marketing solutions as NetInsight Web analytics, the Unica 8 Enterprise Marketing suite and Social Media Analytics.
It has has more than 1,500 customers, including Bank of Montreal, Best Buy, Cisco Systems, Citrix Systems and Dow Jones & Co.
Unica had a loss of $22.5 million on revenue $100.6 million in the fiscal year ended Sept. 30, 2009. The company has swung to the black in each of the past three quarters as revenue has been rising of late.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703960004575427171092347124.html
http://blogs.forrester.com/joseph_stanhope/10-08-13-suresh_vittal_and_joe_stanhope_consider_news_ibm_acquiring_unica
IBM Corp. continues to push into the marketing automation and consulting arena, announcing today it will acquire marketing management software company Unica Corp. for $480 million.
Unica, based in Waltham, Mass., offers such marketing solutions as NetInsight Web analytics, the Unica 8 Enterprise Marketing suite and Social Media Analytics.
It has has more than 1,500 customers, including Bank of Montreal, Best Buy, Cisco Systems, Citrix Systems and Dow Jones & Co.
Unica had a loss of $22.5 million on revenue $100.6 million in the fiscal year ended Sept. 30, 2009. The company has swung to the black in each of the past three quarters as revenue has been rising of late.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703960004575427171092347124.html
http://blogs.forrester.com/joseph_stanhope/10-08-13-suresh_vittal_and_joe_stanhope_consider_news_ibm_acquiring_unica
JWT New York acquires Digitaria
http://www.btobonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100813/FREE/100819962/1078/newsletter011
JWT North America announced the acquisition of San Diego-based Digitaria, a digital marketing agency. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Under the acquisition, Digitaria will retain its name and operate as a unit of JWT North America. It will keep its headquarters in San Diego, while expanding its presence here.
http://www.wpp.com/wpp/press/press/default.htm?guid=%7B07a058fa-ec9e-4cf7-b4c6-48df8fdd1a93%7D
Digitaria employs 100 people and is based in San Diego with satellite offices in Dallas, Los Angeles and New York.
Clients include Dreamworks, ESPN, FOX Corporation, National Football League, NBC Universal and Qualcomm. Digitaria’s unaudited revenues for the year ended 31 March 2010 were US $14.3 million with gross assets at the same date of US $4.5 million.
http://www.adweek.com/aw/content_display/news/agency/e3i08c9076cee49da84835eb0547d78b253
...known for its development of Web sites and mobile platforms for the likes of the National Football League, Best Western and Qualcomm.
Deal-making is part of a three-pronged strategy Eastman is pursuing to develop JWT's capabilities in the digital space. The agency also is hiring top talent and educating existing staffers on the latest in digital marketing.
"You need to think about the base from which we're starting," Eastman said. "We are starting from a predominantly traditional approach to communications.
"We need to have internally sufficient expertise in this space in order to be able to talk to our clients in the right way. Then, I think it's a case of . . . we might need to bring in deep (specialists), whether that's in mobile or shopper marketing or whatever the specific area is. But until you have a degree of understanding in the business itself, it becomes more difficult to find partners to work with."
JWT North America announced the acquisition of San Diego-based Digitaria, a digital marketing agency. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Under the acquisition, Digitaria will retain its name and operate as a unit of JWT North America. It will keep its headquarters in San Diego, while expanding its presence here.
http://www.wpp.com/wpp/press/press/default.htm?guid=%7B07a058fa-ec9e-4cf7-b4c6-48df8fdd1a93%7D
Digitaria employs 100 people and is based in San Diego with satellite offices in Dallas, Los Angeles and New York.
Clients include Dreamworks, ESPN, FOX Corporation, National Football League, NBC Universal and Qualcomm. Digitaria’s unaudited revenues for the year ended 31 March 2010 were US $14.3 million with gross assets at the same date of US $4.5 million.
http://www.adweek.com/aw/content_display/news/agency/e3i08c9076cee49da84835eb0547d78b253
...known for its development of Web sites and mobile platforms for the likes of the National Football League, Best Western and Qualcomm.
Deal-making is part of a three-pronged strategy Eastman is pursuing to develop JWT's capabilities in the digital space. The agency also is hiring top talent and educating existing staffers on the latest in digital marketing.
"You need to think about the base from which we're starting," Eastman said. "We are starting from a predominantly traditional approach to communications.
"We need to have internally sufficient expertise in this space in order to be able to talk to our clients in the right way. Then, I think it's a case of . . . we might need to bring in deep (specialists), whether that's in mobile or shopper marketing or whatever the specific area is. But until you have a degree of understanding in the business itself, it becomes more difficult to find partners to work with."
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Euro RSCG Acquires Congruent Media
http://www.adweek.com/aw/content_display/news/agency/e3i3b619fdcfedcfc7990c4ff58c6fb6ebb
The trend of holding companies bolstering their digital offerings continues, with Havas' Euro RSCG 4D Discovery acquiring Baltimore-based interactive marketing and design shop Congruent Media.
Congruent now becomes part of the agency's operations in that marketplace. The two firms have worked together previously on various assignments.Congruent founders Dan Dawes (pictured) and Jeffrey Rudolf join Euro RSCG 4D as senior vice presidents. All told, the agency employs about 20 staffers who will enter the Euro RSCG 4D fold. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Ron Bess, president of Euro RSCG North America, said the move would "enhance [our] behavioral marketing strength and infuse our digital at the core model."Congruent clients include Metal Roofing Alliance, Speakman Co., Hurricane Grill & Wings, Pollard Banknote, McElroy Metal and Johns Hopkins University, among others.
As the recession recedes and more ad dollars are spent online, i-shop acquisitions have accelerated. In recent weeks, Euro RSCG 4D added Acmic; WPP-owed JWT absorbed Digitaria; and Aegis Media snapped up Mitchell Communication.
The trend of holding companies bolstering their digital offerings continues, with Havas' Euro RSCG 4D Discovery acquiring Baltimore-based interactive marketing and design shop Congruent Media.
Congruent now becomes part of the agency's operations in that marketplace. The two firms have worked together previously on various assignments.Congruent founders Dan Dawes (pictured) and Jeffrey Rudolf join Euro RSCG 4D as senior vice presidents. All told, the agency employs about 20 staffers who will enter the Euro RSCG 4D fold. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Ron Bess, president of Euro RSCG North America, said the move would "enhance [our] behavioral marketing strength and infuse our digital at the core model."Congruent clients include Metal Roofing Alliance, Speakman Co., Hurricane Grill & Wings, Pollard Banknote, McElroy Metal and Johns Hopkins University, among others.
As the recession recedes and more ad dollars are spent online, i-shop acquisitions have accelerated. In recent weeks, Euro RSCG 4D added Acmic; WPP-owed JWT absorbed Digitaria; and Aegis Media snapped up Mitchell Communication.
Pharmaceutical Makers, Travel Firms and Hollywood Have Yet to Restore Cuts to Marketing Budgets
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703791804575439533156807488.html?mod=dist_smartbrief
Recent earning reports from top media companies show U.S. advertising spending is returning with a bang. But not every industry is increasing expenditures, a sign that media and ad companies have some ground to make up before they fully recover.
Industries such as travel, motion pictures and pharmaceuticals have cut ad spending during the first five months of 2010 compared with the year-earlier period, according to Kantar Media, a WPP PLC company that tracks ad spending across TV, print, radio, outdoor and some online.
Ad outlays by travel and tourism companies decreased 9.7% to $1.8 billion during the period while spending by motion picture companies fell 7.5% to $14.7 billion, Kantar says.
A full rebound will take time, says Jon Swallen, Kantar's senior vice president of research.
"It's a two step process," Mr. Swallen says. "Step one is a reversal from declines to increases and the second step for advertisers is to figure out how aggressively do they expand."
Overall, the U.S. ad market is expected to grow 1.1% this year to $149.9 billion, predicts ZenithOptimedia, a media buying firm owned by Publicis Groupe SA.
It has been a quicker-than-expected comeback from one of the advertising world's worst droughts in decades. Ad spending plummeted 12.3% last year, according to Kantar. But the estimated spending for 2011 is still well below the level of 2007, when companies shelled out $177.6 billion on U.S. ads, according to ZenithOptimedia.
Car markers such as General Motors Co., financial services companies and consumer product companies such as Procter & Gamble Co., have helped fuel stronger earnings for media and ad companies by significantly raising their ad expenditures.
Recent earning reports from top media companies show U.S. advertising spending is returning with a bang. But not every industry is increasing expenditures, a sign that media and ad companies have some ground to make up before they fully recover.
Industries such as travel, motion pictures and pharmaceuticals have cut ad spending during the first five months of 2010 compared with the year-earlier period, according to Kantar Media, a WPP PLC company that tracks ad spending across TV, print, radio, outdoor and some online.
Ad outlays by travel and tourism companies decreased 9.7% to $1.8 billion during the period while spending by motion picture companies fell 7.5% to $14.7 billion, Kantar says.
A full rebound will take time, says Jon Swallen, Kantar's senior vice president of research.
"It's a two step process," Mr. Swallen says. "Step one is a reversal from declines to increases and the second step for advertisers is to figure out how aggressively do they expand."
Overall, the U.S. ad market is expected to grow 1.1% this year to $149.9 billion, predicts ZenithOptimedia, a media buying firm owned by Publicis Groupe SA.
It has been a quicker-than-expected comeback from one of the advertising world's worst droughts in decades. Ad spending plummeted 12.3% last year, according to Kantar. But the estimated spending for 2011 is still well below the level of 2007, when companies shelled out $177.6 billion on U.S. ads, according to ZenithOptimedia.
Car markers such as General Motors Co., financial services companies and consumer product companies such as Procter & Gamble Co., have helped fuel stronger earnings for media and ad companies by significantly raising their ad expenditures.
Email marketer iContact snags $40M to help small businesses fill inboxes
http://deals.venturebeat.com/2010/08/30/icontact-funding/?dbk
iContact, a provider of email marketing services like newsletter creation and distribution, just raised $40 million in its second round of funding spearheaded by JMI Equity.
The email marketing technology is designed for small businesses to help them track email marketing effectiveness — including opens and clicks — as well as offering an automatic way to create and distribute newsletters and the like. The company provides the software to about 65,000 companies.
iContact, a provider of email marketing services like newsletter creation and distribution, just raised $40 million in its second round of funding spearheaded by JMI Equity.
The email marketing technology is designed for small businesses to help them track email marketing effectiveness — including opens and clicks — as well as offering an automatic way to create and distribute newsletters and the like. The company provides the software to about 65,000 companies.
Aegis seeks deals as results boost recovery hopes
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/387805ba-b210-11df-b2d9-00144feabdc0.html?referrer_id=yahoofinance&ft_ref=yahoo1&segid=03058
Jerry Buhlmann, chief executive, also signalled that Aegis would continue its return to deal-making, after bidding for Mitchells, an Australian media buyer, and forming a joint venture with Charm Communications in China. “As you come out of recession, that is the time to try and capture the growth of the recovery,” he said.
Jerry Buhlmann, chief executive, also signalled that Aegis would continue its return to deal-making, after bidding for Mitchells, an Australian media buyer, and forming a joint venture with Charm Communications in China. “As you come out of recession, that is the time to try and capture the growth of the recovery,” he said.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Ryla acquired by Calif. firm in $70M deal
http://atlanta.bizjournals.com/atlanta/blog/atlantech/2010/04/ryla.html
Ryla Inc., a Kennesaw-based call center outsourcing provider, has been acquired by a Southern California competitor for $70 million.
Chino, Calif-based Alorica Inc. acquired Ryla in an all-stock deal late Wednesday.
Ryla, which employs about 3,200, provides call center outsourcing and outbound call center services to telecommunications, health-care and government sector companies.
Alorica is a customer service management firm that delivers customer interaction management, service logistics and onsite repair services.
Alorica broadens Ryla’s geographic reach and gives it access to facilities on the West Coast, Wilson said.
Ryla, which occupies 120,000 square feet in Georgia and another 90,000 square feet in Alabama, expects to create more than 500 jobs over the next two years.
The company, backed by Charlotte-based venture firm Frontier Capital, has raised more than $7 million. Ryla investors include Ed Crutchfield, former chairman and CEO of Wachovia Bank.
Ryla increased its revenue from $25 million in 2008 to more than $100 million in 2009.
The acquisition will give Ryla greater credibility in the teleservices industry, access to deeper pockets and clients on West Coast, said attorney Jeffrey Leavitt, who represented Ryla on the deal.Read more: Ryla acquired by Calif. firm in $70M deal - Atlanta Business Chronicle
Ryla Inc., a Kennesaw-based call center outsourcing provider, has been acquired by a Southern California competitor for $70 million.
Chino, Calif-based Alorica Inc. acquired Ryla in an all-stock deal late Wednesday.
Ryla, which employs about 3,200, provides call center outsourcing and outbound call center services to telecommunications, health-care and government sector companies.
Alorica is a customer service management firm that delivers customer interaction management, service logistics and onsite repair services.
Alorica broadens Ryla’s geographic reach and gives it access to facilities on the West Coast, Wilson said.
Ryla, which occupies 120,000 square feet in Georgia and another 90,000 square feet in Alabama, expects to create more than 500 jobs over the next two years.
The company, backed by Charlotte-based venture firm Frontier Capital, has raised more than $7 million. Ryla investors include Ed Crutchfield, former chairman and CEO of Wachovia Bank.
Ryla increased its revenue from $25 million in 2008 to more than $100 million in 2009.
The acquisition will give Ryla greater credibility in the teleservices industry, access to deeper pockets and clients on West Coast, said attorney Jeffrey Leavitt, who represented Ryla on the deal.Read more: Ryla acquired by Calif. firm in $70M deal - Atlanta Business Chronicle
The Corporate Executive Board Acquires Iconoculture
http://news.executiveboard.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=1289
The Corporate Executive Board (NASDAQ: EXBD) announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Iconoculture, a leading global consumer research and advisory company, earlier this week. The combined organization will strengthen the Corporate Executive Board’s footprint in the marketing function and provide marketing professionals and brand executives with a comprehensive view of the trends and values that influence consumer behavior.
The Corporate Executive Board (NASDAQ: EXBD) announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Iconoculture, a leading global consumer research and advisory company, earlier this week. The combined organization will strengthen the Corporate Executive Board’s footprint in the marketing function and provide marketing professionals and brand executives with a comprehensive view of the trends and values that influence consumer behavior.
Federated Media acquires OnSite Advertising
http://www.federatedmedia.com/Portals/0/docs/FMOutdoorPressRelease.pdf
Headquartered in Mishawaka, Indiana, Federated Media owns and operates 18 radio stations plus Federated Interactive, Vision Division Creative, OnDisplay Advertising, Talking Stick Communications, the Elkhart Truth Newspaper, and Get Engaged.
Headquartered in Mishawaka, Indiana, Federated Media owns and operates 18 radio stations plus Federated Interactive, Vision Division Creative, OnDisplay Advertising, Talking Stick Communications, the Elkhart Truth Newspaper, and Get Engaged.
WPP sub ghg acquires Geoff Howe Marketing Communications, US-based animal health agency
http://www.wpp.com/wpp/investor/financialnews/default.htm?guid=%7B43ed4cf1-30cf-4056-ba0b-e5ca858ad2fa%7D
WPP announces that its wholly-owned operating company, ghg, the global healthcare communications network, has acquired 100% of the capital stock of Geoff Howe Holdings, Inc. ("GHH"), which owns 100% of the capital stock of Geoff Howe Marketing Communications, Inc, ("GHMC"), a US-based agency specialising in the marketing of animal health, diet and nutrition products. In addition, ghg will acquire the European client account of Hills Pet Nutrition, Inc and certain associated assets from Geoff Howe's UK and Prague-based operations.
Headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, Geoff Howe employs 48 people in the US and has two European offices in London and Prague. Clients include Bayer Healthcare, Boehringer Ingelheim, Colgate-Palmolive and Hill’s Pet Nutrition.
The consolidated unaudited revenues of GHH and GHMC for the year ended 31 March 2010 were US$ 6.7 million, with gross assets at the same date of US$ 4.1 million.
This acquisition continues WPP’s strategy of strengthening and developing key client relationships across important markets and sectors.
WPP announces that its wholly-owned operating company, ghg, the global healthcare communications network, has acquired 100% of the capital stock of Geoff Howe Holdings, Inc. ("GHH"), which owns 100% of the capital stock of Geoff Howe Marketing Communications, Inc, ("GHMC"), a US-based agency specialising in the marketing of animal health, diet and nutrition products. In addition, ghg will acquire the European client account of Hills Pet Nutrition, Inc and certain associated assets from Geoff Howe's UK and Prague-based operations.
Headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, Geoff Howe employs 48 people in the US and has two European offices in London and Prague. Clients include Bayer Healthcare, Boehringer Ingelheim, Colgate-Palmolive and Hill’s Pet Nutrition.
The consolidated unaudited revenues of GHH and GHMC for the year ended 31 March 2010 were US$ 6.7 million, with gross assets at the same date of US$ 4.1 million.
This acquisition continues WPP’s strategy of strengthening and developing key client relationships across important markets and sectors.
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