http://www.btobonline.com/article/20111129/STRATEGY09/311299992/exacttarget-files-for-100-million-ipo?utm_source=dailynewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=editorial&utm_campaign=dailyclickthroughs
Email marketing company ExactTarget Inc. plans to raise $100 million in an initial public offering and use the funds for general corporate purposes, such as expanding its number of offices and its sales and marketing teams.
ExactTarget had hoped to go public in 2009 but, as the economy worsened, withdrew its IPO filing, opting instead to raise private venture capital. The company's most recent infusion of $30 million in April pushed its total venture funding to $208 million
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Seeking Digital Growth, New York Times Eyes First Acquisitions in Three Years
http://adage.com/article/mediaworks/york-times-eyes-acquisitions-years/231332/?utm_source=digital_email&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=adage
The Times Co. is interested in deals for technology or information companies to bolster digital growth, according to CEO Janet Robinson. The company has been paying down debt and reducing costs, giving it the financial flexibility to strike deals, she said.
"We are in a position to invest organically or inorganically," Ms. Robinson said in an interview at Bloomberg headquarters in New York. She declined to name any businesses the company may consider buying.
The Times Co. has been struggling with a slide in traditional print revenue that has led to annual sales declines every year since 2006. The company introduced an online paid subscription model at The New York Times in March, helping bolster advertising and lift digital subscriptions to 324,000 at the end of September.
The Times Co. is interested in deals for technology or information companies to bolster digital growth, according to CEO Janet Robinson. The company has been paying down debt and reducing costs, giving it the financial flexibility to strike deals, she said.
"We are in a position to invest organically or inorganically," Ms. Robinson said in an interview at Bloomberg headquarters in New York. She declined to name any businesses the company may consider buying.
The Times Co. has been struggling with a slide in traditional print revenue that has led to annual sales declines every year since 2006. The company introduced an online paid subscription model at The New York Times in March, helping bolster advertising and lift digital subscriptions to 324,000 at the end of September.
Adobe Buys Efficient Frontier to Expand in Web Marketing
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-11-30/adobe-acquires-efficient-frontier-helping-it-expand-in-internet-marketing.html
Adobe Systems Inc. (ADBE) said it would buy online-advertising company Efficient Frontier to gain software that lets marketers place ads on Google Inc.’s and Facebook Inc.’s websites.
The deal would expand Adobe’s palette of tools for online advertisers and complement software it acquired with Omniture Inc. two years ago, Adobe said in a statement. Closely held Efficient Frontier, based in Sunnyvale, California, sells software that lets advertisers buy keywords on Google, place ads on Facebook, and purchase so-called display ads around the Web. Adobe, based in San Jose, California, didn’t disclose the price and said the transaction would be completed by February.
Adobe, the largest maker of graphic design software, has been adding tools for online marketing as its core market undergoes a shift. The company pared its sales forecast for the next fiscal year on Nov. 8 as it moves to develop new products and channels investments into digital media and marketing.
The company also said then it would stop developing mobile versions of its Flash Player software for online video and step up efforts to build the HTML5 programming language into its flagship Creative Suite products.
Adobe Systems Inc. (ADBE) said it would buy online-advertising company Efficient Frontier to gain software that lets marketers place ads on Google Inc.’s and Facebook Inc.’s websites.
The deal would expand Adobe’s palette of tools for online advertisers and complement software it acquired with Omniture Inc. two years ago, Adobe said in a statement. Closely held Efficient Frontier, based in Sunnyvale, California, sells software that lets advertisers buy keywords on Google, place ads on Facebook, and purchase so-called display ads around the Web. Adobe, based in San Jose, California, didn’t disclose the price and said the transaction would be completed by February.
Adobe, the largest maker of graphic design software, has been adding tools for online marketing as its core market undergoes a shift. The company pared its sales forecast for the next fiscal year on Nov. 8 as it moves to develop new products and channels investments into digital media and marketing.
The company also said then it would stop developing mobile versions of its Flash Player software for online video and step up efforts to build the HTML5 programming language into its flagship Creative Suite products.
WPP buys powerhouse firm Glover Park Group
http://thehill.com/business-a-lobbying/195869-wpp-buys-powerhouse-dc-firm-glover-park-group
The consolidation of K Street continued Tuesday as a global conglomerate snapped up another well-known lobbying brand.
The communications giant WPP announced that it would acquire Glover Park Group, a powerhouse lobbying and public relations firm in Washington. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The acquisition follows two other high-profile deals this year: the merger of Clark & Weinstock with the public affairs shop Mercury, and Dutko Worldwide’s merger with the global PR firm Grayling.
Glover Park had strong ties to the Clinton administration when it opened its doors in 2001, but has since branched out to hire Republicans. The firm now has more than 140 employees and four offices in Washington, New York, Los Angeles and Boulder, Colo.
Glover Park lobbies for several high-profile clients, including Coca-Cola, Lockheed Martin Corporation and the Walt Disney Company, according to lobbying disclosure records.
The consolidation of K Street continued Tuesday as a global conglomerate snapped up another well-known lobbying brand.
The communications giant WPP announced that it would acquire Glover Park Group, a powerhouse lobbying and public relations firm in Washington. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The acquisition follows two other high-profile deals this year: the merger of Clark & Weinstock with the public affairs shop Mercury, and Dutko Worldwide’s merger with the global PR firm Grayling.
Glover Park had strong ties to the Clinton administration when it opened its doors in 2001, but has since branched out to hire Republicans. The firm now has more than 140 employees and four offices in Washington, New York, Los Angeles and Boulder, Colo.
Glover Park lobbies for several high-profile clients, including Coca-Cola, Lockheed Martin Corporation and the Walt Disney Company, according to lobbying disclosure records.
Marketo gains $50 million in venture funding
http://www.btobonline.com/article/20111117/STRATEGY09/311179997/marketo-gains-50-million-in-venture-funding?utm_source=dailynewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=editorial&utm_campaign=dailyclickthroughs#seenit
Marketing automation company Marketo Inc. has secured $50 million in new venture financing, which it plans to use to expand its marketing automation suite and grow internationally.
The funding was led by new investor Battery Ventures, along with existing investors Institutional Venture Partners, InterWest Partners, Mayfield Fund and Storm Ventures. Marketo has raised a total of $107 million since its founding in 2006, according to the company.
Marketing automation company Marketo Inc. has secured $50 million in new venture financing, which it plans to use to expand its marketing automation suite and grow internationally.
The funding was led by new investor Battery Ventures, along with existing investors Institutional Venture Partners, InterWest Partners, Mayfield Fund and Storm Ventures. Marketo has raised a total of $107 million since its founding in 2006, according to the company.
Newad adds to Ontario inventory with Media One acquisition
Newad has welcomed back one of its founding partners and grown its advertising inventory in Ontario with the acquisition of Toronto’s Media One. Terms of the deal, which was finalized approximately two weeks ago, were not disclosed.
Media One is a resto-bar advertising network specializing in large-format banners. Jean-Philippe Leduc, executive vice-president of client relations for Newad in Montreal, said the real value of the deal is in Media One’s long-term contracts with approximately 500 establishments in large and mid-sized Ontario markets, including Toronto, Ottawa, Kitchener and London. The contracts typically range from three to five years, said Leduc.
“It cannot be a more natural acquisition for us,” said Leduc. “Media One was evolving in the same type of world as Newad and [the deal] allows us to increase our footprint in Ontario.”
Leduc said the deal increases Newad’s Ontario footprint by about 40%, a sizeable increase in a key market where the company has occasionally had to turn away sales because of a lack of available inventory.
Leduc said there is still some “tweaking” to do in venues where Newad and Media One have overlapping inventory, but said it should be completed by early next year. Newad also hopes to add products such as its mini-boards, backlits and digital boards in establishments formerly operated by Media One.
As part of the takeover, Media One president Lino Ricco, who helped establish Newad and served as the company’s vice-president of sales from 1995-97, returns to the company in the position of VP and regional general manager – Central Canada. In this role, Ricco will be responsible for commercial activities and sales with Toronto advertising agencies.
Ricco has been active in both the indoor advertising and experiential marketing industries since leaving Newad, contributing to the development of companies such as Roar Media.
http://www.marketingmag.ca/news/media-news/newad-adds-to-ontario-inventory-with-media-one-acquisition-40557?p=40557?utm_source=EmailMarketing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=marketing_daily_PM
Media One is a resto-bar advertising network specializing in large-format banners. Jean-Philippe Leduc, executive vice-president of client relations for Newad in Montreal, said the real value of the deal is in Media One’s long-term contracts with approximately 500 establishments in large and mid-sized Ontario markets, including Toronto, Ottawa, Kitchener and London. The contracts typically range from three to five years, said Leduc.
“It cannot be a more natural acquisition for us,” said Leduc. “Media One was evolving in the same type of world as Newad and [the deal] allows us to increase our footprint in Ontario.”
Leduc said the deal increases Newad’s Ontario footprint by about 40%, a sizeable increase in a key market where the company has occasionally had to turn away sales because of a lack of available inventory.
Leduc said there is still some “tweaking” to do in venues where Newad and Media One have overlapping inventory, but said it should be completed by early next year. Newad also hopes to add products such as its mini-boards, backlits and digital boards in establishments formerly operated by Media One.
As part of the takeover, Media One president Lino Ricco, who helped establish Newad and served as the company’s vice-president of sales from 1995-97, returns to the company in the position of VP and regional general manager – Central Canada. In this role, Ricco will be responsible for commercial activities and sales with Toronto advertising agencies.
Ricco has been active in both the indoor advertising and experiential marketing industries since leaving Newad, contributing to the development of companies such as Roar Media.
http://www.marketingmag.ca/news/media-news/newad-adds-to-ontario-inventory-with-media-one-acquisition-40557?p=40557?utm_source=EmailMarketing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=marketing_daily_PM
Mosaic acquires CIM sales and merchandising operations
http://www.marketingmag.ca/news/agency-news/mosaic-acquires-cim-sales-and-merchandizing-operations-40449
Toronto retail and experiential marketing agency Mosaic Sales Solutions has created what CEO Aidan Tracey calls a “market-leading powerhouse” by acquiring the sales and merchandising operations of Consumer Impact Marketing (CIM). Terms of the deal, which was formalized Wednesday, were not disclosed.
The current CIM CEO, Mike Smith, will remain head of the company’s experiential marketing division, Launch, will proceed as an independent entity. Shaun McKenna, a former partner and executive vice-president at CIM, joins Mosaic as the senior vice-president, overseeing its Canadian sales and merchandising operations.
The acquisition represents the first major acquisition in five years for Mosaic, which Tracey said is in growth mode following several years of significant revenue growth created by increased advertiser adoption of retail marketing tactics.
Toronto retail and experiential marketing agency Mosaic Sales Solutions has created what CEO Aidan Tracey calls a “market-leading powerhouse” by acquiring the sales and merchandising operations of Consumer Impact Marketing (CIM). Terms of the deal, which was formalized Wednesday, were not disclosed.
The current CIM CEO, Mike Smith, will remain head of the company’s experiential marketing division, Launch, will proceed as an independent entity. Shaun McKenna, a former partner and executive vice-president at CIM, joins Mosaic as the senior vice-president, overseeing its Canadian sales and merchandising operations.
The acquisition represents the first major acquisition in five years for Mosaic, which Tracey said is in growth mode following several years of significant revenue growth created by increased advertiser adoption of retail marketing tactics.
LBi Acquires Mr. Youth for $40 Million
http://adage.com/article/agency-news/lbi-acquires-mr-youth-40-million/230936/
Founded in 2002, private-equity backed Mr. Youth is expected to clear $25 million in revenue this year. It has 140 full-time employees, mostly in New York, with small offices in San Francisco, Toronto and Atlanta.
Built into the deal are performance incentives, allowing for further compensation beyond the $40 million sale price provided the agency exceeds performance targets.
Mr. Youth's expertise in the youth market will be a boon to LBi, Mr. Taylor said, during a time when the larger agency is reorganizing around customer segments. LBi already has a practice to target health-care professionals, and going forward plans to build units to reach millennials, moms and multicultural audiences.
LBi plans to keep the Mr. Youth brand following the sale. Mr. Youth co-founder-CEO Matt Britton will continue to lead Mr. Youth, but will now function in a dual role, also taking on a position at LBi for social media. He will report to Mr. Taylor.
Over the last several years, LBi has been looking to build its presence in the U.S. by buying its way into the market. Early last year, it merged two past New York agency acquisitions, Special Ops Media and Icon Nicholson, and combined the offices under the LBi name.
After nearly a year looking at social-media shops, LBi approached Mr. Youth, which was also attractive because of its intellectual property, including a tool to incentivize college students to become advocates for brands called RepNation.
LBi International had $233 million in worldwide revenue last year, with almost 20% originating in the U.S., according to Ad Age Data Center. LBi has offices in 16 countries and that global footprint was a draw for Mr. Youth, whose client roster includes major multinationals like Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Ford Motors and Procter & Gamble.
U.K.-based digital agency LBi has acquired youth-marketing shop Mr. Youth for approximately $40 million.
"Demand [in social media] is massively outstripping the supply; all of our clients are asking for it," LBi Group CEO Luke Taylor told Ad Age. "It's tough to scale organically, so we were looking for acquisitions. Of course you go to the [United] States -- this is where Facebook and Twitter were born, so it's uncontroversially the best place today to get the best skills." Founded in 2002, private-equity backed Mr. Youth is expected to clear $25 million in revenue this year. It has 140 full-time employees, mostly in New York, with small offices in San Francisco, Toronto and Atlanta.
Built into the deal are performance incentives, allowing for further compensation beyond the $40 million sale price provided the agency exceeds performance targets.
Mr. Youth's expertise in the youth market will be a boon to LBi, Mr. Taylor said, during a time when the larger agency is reorganizing around customer segments. LBi already has a practice to target health-care professionals, and going forward plans to build units to reach millennials, moms and multicultural audiences.
LBi plans to keep the Mr. Youth brand following the sale. Mr. Youth co-founder-CEO Matt Britton will continue to lead Mr. Youth, but will now function in a dual role, also taking on a position at LBi for social media. He will report to Mr. Taylor.
Over the last several years, LBi has been looking to build its presence in the U.S. by buying its way into the market. Early last year, it merged two past New York agency acquisitions, Special Ops Media and Icon Nicholson, and combined the offices under the LBi name.
After nearly a year looking at social-media shops, LBi approached Mr. Youth, which was also attractive because of its intellectual property, including a tool to incentivize college students to become advocates for brands called RepNation.
LBi International had $233 million in worldwide revenue last year, with almost 20% originating in the U.S., according to Ad Age Data Center. LBi has offices in 16 countries and that global footprint was a draw for Mr. Youth, whose client roster includes major multinationals like Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Ford Motors and Procter & Gamble.
SDL to buy Alterian for $107 million
SDL, a translation software and Web management company, has agreed to acquire marketing technology company Alterian. The price has been set at $107 million, according to reports.
Alterian shuttered its Chicago office in November as part of a restructuring plan undertaken in September. Last week, Alterian reported an operating loss of $1.4 million for the six months ended Sept. 30 on sales of $27.0 million. This compared with a profit of $4.6 million in the year-earlier period on sales of $28.7 million.
SDL is based in Maidenhead, U.K., a suburb of London. It has U.S. offices in Chicago; Plano, Texas; San Diego and Waltham, Mass., among other locations.
http://www.btobonline.com/article/20111207/STRATEGY10/312079997/sdl-to-buy-alterian-for-107-million?utm_source=dailynewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=editorial&utm_campaign=dailyclickthroughs
Alterian shuttered its Chicago office in November as part of a restructuring plan undertaken in September. Last week, Alterian reported an operating loss of $1.4 million for the six months ended Sept. 30 on sales of $27.0 million. This compared with a profit of $4.6 million in the year-earlier period on sales of $28.7 million.
SDL is based in Maidenhead, U.K., a suburb of London. It has U.S. offices in Chicago; Plano, Texas; San Diego and Waltham, Mass., among other locations.
http://www.btobonline.com/article/20111207/STRATEGY10/312079997/sdl-to-buy-alterian-for-107-million?utm_source=dailynewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=editorial&utm_campaign=dailyclickthroughs
IBM to acquire marketing analytics company DemandTec
http://www.btobonline.com/article/20111208/STRATEGY05/312089999/ibm-to-acquire-marketing-analytics-company-demandtec?utm_source=dailynewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=editorial&utm_campaign=dailyclickthroughs#seenit
IBM Corp. plans to acquire DemandTec Inc., whose cloud-based analytics service aids companies in setting price, promotion and merchandising tactics. The price is $440 million.
IBM said the acquisition of DemandTec would aid its Smarter Commerce marketing consultancy initiative, launched earlier this year.
The acquisition, expected to close in the first quarter of 2012, is the fourth IBM has made in support of Smarter Commerce.
IBM Corp. plans to acquire DemandTec Inc., whose cloud-based analytics service aids companies in setting price, promotion and merchandising tactics. The price is $440 million.
IBM said the acquisition of DemandTec would aid its Smarter Commerce marketing consultancy initiative, launched earlier this year.
The acquisition, expected to close in the first quarter of 2012, is the fourth IBM has made in support of Smarter Commerce.
RichRelevance to Buy Searchandise to Create Online-Shopper Marketing Juggernaut
http://adage.com/article/digital/richrelevance-buy-searchandise-marketing-juggernaut/231512/?utm_source=digital_email&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=adage
Neither the terms of the deal, expected to close this month, nor the companies' sales were disclosed. But RichRelevance said the combined companies will serve 10 of the 25 biggest retailers on the web, also including Sears. The company also said its Shopping Media platform serves personalized recommendations and advertising with more than 1.4 billion page views monthly and has delivered more than $3 billion in attributable sales for retail clients since its launch a year ago.
The deal combines companies in two of the fastest-growing segments of media and marketing in recent years: digital and shopper marketing.
Drawing offline dollars
RichRelevance isn't just going after digital media or measuring impact by looking at e-commerce sales, according to CEO David Selinger. He also expects to increasingly draw dollars from offline shopper-marketing budgets and to invest money in consumer panels to measure effects on offline sales, he said. Packaged-goods clients in particular expect advertising around product research at retailer websites to generate offline sales, he added.
Triad Retail Media, the biggest player selling online display ads at such sites as Walmart .com and CVS.com, expects $120 million in revenue this year and projects that the market will expand to $500 million within a few years.
RichRelevance, which offers personalized product recommendations and sells advertising around them on websites for such retailers as Walmart Stores and Target, plans to acquire Searchandise Commerce, which sells the equivalent of search ads and creates virtual end-cap displays on e-commerce sites. The deal is intended to create a more comprehensive offering for online-shopper marketing.
Neither the terms of the deal, expected to close this month, nor the companies' sales were disclosed. But RichRelevance said the combined companies will serve 10 of the 25 biggest retailers on the web, also including Sears. The company also said its Shopping Media platform serves personalized recommendations and advertising with more than 1.4 billion page views monthly and has delivered more than $3 billion in attributable sales for retail clients since its launch a year ago.
The deal combines companies in two of the fastest-growing segments of media and marketing in recent years: digital and shopper marketing.
Drawing offline dollars
RichRelevance isn't just going after digital media or measuring impact by looking at e-commerce sales, according to CEO David Selinger. He also expects to increasingly draw dollars from offline shopper-marketing budgets and to invest money in consumer panels to measure effects on offline sales, he said. Packaged-goods clients in particular expect advertising around product research at retailer websites to generate offline sales, he added.
Triad Retail Media, the biggest player selling online display ads at such sites as Walmart .com and CVS.com, expects $120 million in revenue this year and projects that the market will expand to $500 million within a few years.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Ascentium to acquire Cactus Commerce
http://www.ascentium.com/content/ascentium-acquire-cactus-commerce
Ascentium, one of the largest independent digital agencies in the U.S., today announced that it has acquired Cactus Commerce, a leader in the enterprise digital commerce and marketing space.
The new company has more than 500 staff, offices in the U.S., Canada and the United Kingdom and more than $65 million in annual revenue. Clients include Microsoft, AT&T, Cisco, PVH (Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation) and Nestlé.
Ascentium, one of the largest independent digital agencies in the U.S., today announced that it has acquired Cactus Commerce, a leader in the enterprise digital commerce and marketing space.
The new company has more than 500 staff, offices in the U.S., Canada and the United Kingdom and more than $65 million in annual revenue. Clients include Microsoft, AT&T, Cisco, PVH (Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation) and Nestlé.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Meredith Goes Abroad - minority stake in Iris
http://www.adweek.com/news/technology/meredith-goes-abroad-136013
London-based Iris employs nearly 800 people around the world, with a big presence in Europe and Asia. Its clients include Shell, Microsoft, Sony Ericsson, and Unilever.
Along with the investment, Meredith Integrated Marketing unveiled a new name for the b-to-b unit: Meredith Xcelerated Marketing.
He said Meredith also was drawn to Iris because of its point-of-purchase marketing chops.
“It’s a very hot topic with our clients,” he said. “We were really looking for a strong digital marketing agency, and at the same time we were thinking about shopping marketing.”
London-based Iris employs nearly 800 people around the world, with a big presence in Europe and Asia. Its clients include Shell, Microsoft, Sony Ericsson, and Unilever.
Along with the investment, Meredith Integrated Marketing unveiled a new name for the b-to-b unit: Meredith Xcelerated Marketing.
He said Meredith also was drawn to Iris because of its point-of-purchase marketing chops.
“It’s a very hot topic with our clients,” he said. “We were really looking for a strong digital marketing agency, and at the same time we were thinking about shopping marketing.”
Efficient Frontier Buys Leading Australian Digital Marketing Firm
http://adage.com/article/digital/efficient-frontier-buys-leading-australian-digital-marketing-firm/230478/
Efficient Frontier, one of the larger remaining independent digital marketing firms, is getting a little bigger. The company is buying one of the largest digital agencies in Australia, Downstream Marketing, for an undisclosed sum.
The deal gives Efficient Frontier immediate scale in Australia and the opportunity to expand in Asia as the company seeks to tap faster-growing international markets. Downstream Marketing's clients include American Express, Avis, Vodafone and Weight Watchers. The 30-employee company is run by CEO Steve Knowles, former head of marketing for eBay in Australia.
It's the second big deal in a year for Efficient Frontier, which acquired social-agency Context Optional in May for a reported $50 million.
Efficient Frontier, one of the larger remaining independent digital marketing firms, is getting a little bigger. The company is buying one of the largest digital agencies in Australia, Downstream Marketing, for an undisclosed sum.
The deal gives Efficient Frontier immediate scale in Australia and the opportunity to expand in Asia as the company seeks to tap faster-growing international markets. Downstream Marketing's clients include American Express, Avis, Vodafone and Weight Watchers. The 30-employee company is run by CEO Steve Knowles, former head of marketing for eBay in Australia.
It's the second big deal in a year for Efficient Frontier, which acquired social-agency Context Optional in May for a reported $50 million.
Market Force Raises $15M in Funding to Fuel Growth
http://www.marketforce.com/2011/09/market-force-raises-15m-in-funding-to-fuel-growth/
Market Force Information, the world’s leading customer intelligence solutions company, announced it has raised $15 million to accelerate its growth in the burgeoning market of customer intelligence solutions. The company is using the funds to grow both organically and through acquisitions, as it brings new products to market and expands its global client roster.
Market Force announced the acquisition of Retail Eyes, the leading customer experience solution provider in the UK and Europe earlier this month. Retail Eyes was the second acquisition for Market Force this year, following the purchase of Winnipeg-based Tell Us About Us in March 2011. Through these acquisitions, Market Force procured a number of new global clients that are using services such as mystery shopping, customer satisfaction surveys, call center and retail auditing and, as a result, is expected to end 2011 at a $70 million revenue run rate.
The funding was structured to include all existing investors – Monitor Clipper Partners, Centennial Ventures, Boulder Ventures and Vista Ventures – as well as additional debt facilities from the company’s existing lenders Escalate Capital Partners and Comerica Bank.
Market Force Information, the world’s leading customer intelligence solutions company, announced it has raised $15 million to accelerate its growth in the burgeoning market of customer intelligence solutions. The company is using the funds to grow both organically and through acquisitions, as it brings new products to market and expands its global client roster.
Market Force announced the acquisition of Retail Eyes, the leading customer experience solution provider in the UK and Europe earlier this month. Retail Eyes was the second acquisition for Market Force this year, following the purchase of Winnipeg-based Tell Us About Us in March 2011. Through these acquisitions, Market Force procured a number of new global clients that are using services such as mystery shopping, customer satisfaction surveys, call center and retail auditing and, as a result, is expected to end 2011 at a $70 million revenue run rate.
The funding was structured to include all existing investors – Monitor Clipper Partners, Centennial Ventures, Boulder Ventures and Vista Ventures – as well as additional debt facilities from the company’s existing lenders Escalate Capital Partners and Comerica Bank.
Acosta to acquire Sell-Thru Services convenience division
http://www.acosta.com/MediaCenterDetail.aspx?ItemID=10737418430&folderid=121
Acosta has signed a letter of intent to acquire the convenience store division of Sell-Thru Services, Inc. (STS) a sales and marketing agency with expertise in the convenience channel headquartered in Austin, TX. This acquisition will provide Acosta with additional convenience channel expertise and knowledge as well as retail resources to enhance its reach and coverage.
STS is a national independently-owned and operated company serving convenience stores and small outlet formats since 1987. Since its founding, STS has focused on offering retail services, headquarter sales representation, information products, and specialty services tailored to the unique characteristics of the small outlet channel. Over the last 24 years, STS has developed a proven model for driving retail sales growth that includes the collaboration of retail sales professionals, calling on over 70,000 unique retail outlets and headquarter buying locations, and using proprietary information systems.
Acosta has signed a letter of intent to acquire the convenience store division of Sell-Thru Services, Inc. (STS) a sales and marketing agency with expertise in the convenience channel headquartered in Austin, TX. This acquisition will provide Acosta with additional convenience channel expertise and knowledge as well as retail resources to enhance its reach and coverage.
STS is a national independently-owned and operated company serving convenience stores and small outlet formats since 1987. Since its founding, STS has focused on offering retail services, headquarter sales representation, information products, and specialty services tailored to the unique characteristics of the small outlet channel. Over the last 24 years, STS has developed a proven model for driving retail sales growth that includes the collaboration of retail sales professionals, calling on over 70,000 unique retail outlets and headquarter buying locations, and using proprietary information systems.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
MediaBrands Acquires Social-Media-Shop Spring Creek
http://adage.com/article/agency-news/mediabrands-acquires-social-media-shop-spring-creek/230219/
In a move that demonstrates media shops are eager to beef up their social credentials, Interpublic Group of Cos.' MediaBrands has acquired Seattle-based social-media-shop Spring Creek Group.
The move means Spring Creek will fall under the Mediabrands umbrella along with Interpublic media agencies Universal McCann and Initiative. The 30-person social-media shop lists as clients Microsoft, U.S. Bank, Best Buy and HTC, among others. It's a small firm; according to Inc.com, the five-year-old firm achieved $4.3 million in revenue in 2010. Mediabrands would not disclose its valuation. As part of the deal, Spring Creek will remain headquartered from its Seattle office and expand its presence to New York.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
iSign Media to buy Pinpoint Media Group
http://www.marketingmag.ca/news/media-news/isign-media-to-buy-pinpoint-media-group-36950?p=36950?utm_source=EmailMarketing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=marketing_daily_PM
ISign Media Solutions has agreed to purchase Pinpoint Media Group, which operates digital signs in Alimentation Couche-Tard convenience stores.
The Toronto-based company plans to use its software to enhance the chain’s 5,900 television monitors and allow consumers to receive offers for coupons on their cellphones.
ISign will pay for the acquisition by issuing 7.5 million of its shares worth about $2.2 million based on the company’s share price Wednesday afternoon.
The deal revising Couche-Tard’s agreement with Pinpoint is expected to be completed within 45 days. The new five-year deal with an option for five more years sets out royalty payments to Canada’s largest convenience store chain.
It would also issue warrants to Couche-Tard for three million iSign shares.
The Pinpoint acquisition is expected to more than double iSign’s advertising sales and generate more software licensing revenue, iSign said in a news release.
Chief executive Alex Romanov said its convenience store network is the fastest growing and more profitable segment, with an ability to “influence purchases and collect anonymous shopper data.”
Once its software is installed in the coming months, iSign said its digital signage network will reach an average 1.5 million convenience store shoppers a day.
The Toronto-based company plans to use its software to enhance the chain’s 5,900 television monitors and allow consumers to receive offers for coupons on their cellphones.
ISign will pay for the acquisition by issuing 7.5 million of its shares worth about $2.2 million based on the company’s share price Wednesday afternoon.
The deal revising Couche-Tard’s agreement with Pinpoint is expected to be completed within 45 days. The new five-year deal with an option for five more years sets out royalty payments to Canada’s largest convenience store chain.
It would also issue warrants to Couche-Tard for three million iSign shares.
The Pinpoint acquisition is expected to more than double iSign’s advertising sales and generate more software licensing revenue, iSign said in a news release.
Chief executive Alex Romanov said its convenience store network is the fastest growing and more profitable segment, with an ability to “influence purchases and collect anonymous shopper data.”
Once its software is installed in the coming months, iSign said its digital signage network will reach an average 1.5 million convenience store shoppers a day.
Friday, September 16, 2011
MDC Partners adds healthcare, fashion expertise to agency roster
http://www.marketingmag.ca/news/agency-news/mdc-partners-adds-healthcare-fashion-expertise-to-agency-roster-36241 The Concentric acquisition (terms of the deals were not disclosed) represents MDC Partners’ first foray into the burgeoning health care marketing sector. Recently named Agency of the Year by Med Ad News, Concentric’s revenues grew 40% to US$16.5 million in 2010 according to a July report in the trade journal Medical Marketing & Media, while its staff grew by 33% as a result of winning 11 pieces of new business – including being named the US AOR for Enbrel, an arthritis treatment co-marketed by Amgen and Pfizer.
The agency has offices in New York and London, and boasts a client roster that includes several major health care brands including Allergan, Bayer HealthCare, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche and Wyeth.
Laird+Partners is a 75-person shop with a client roster comprised of a who’s who of fashion brands that includes Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Karl Lagerfeld, Gap and Hermès. It was established in 2002 by Trey Laird, the former executive vice-president and corporate creative director of Donna Karan International.
The agency has offices in New York and London, and boasts a client roster that includes several major health care brands including Allergan, Bayer HealthCare, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche and Wyeth.
Laird+Partners is a 75-person shop with a client roster comprised of a who’s who of fashion brands that includes Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Karl Lagerfeld, Gap and Hermès. It was established in 2002 by Trey Laird, the former executive vice-president and corporate creative director of Donna Karan International.
Uncertainty on Wall Street, Big Deals on Madison Avenue
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/16/business/media/uncertainty-on-wall-street-big-deals-on-madison-avenue.html?_r=1
This summer, for instance, holding companies like Havas, the Publicis Groupe and WPP have announced deals for agencies like Big Fuel, DPZ, Host and Lunchbox.
And on Thursday, Publicis said that it would buy Schwartz Communications, a public relations agency with offices in Boston, London, San Francisco and Stockholm. It was the sixth acquisition of a public relations agency by Publicis in 18 months, according to The Holmes Report, a trade publication.
Another example of the trend will come on Friday, when MDC Partners, which owns agencies like Crispin Porter & Bogusky and Kirshenbaum Bond Senecal & Partners, is to announce the acquisition of majority stakes in two specialty agencies.
One agency, Concentric Pharma Advertising, creates campaigns for pharmaceutical marketers like Bayer, Novartis, Pfizer and Roche. Concentric has 75 employees who work at a headquarters in New York and an office in London.
•
The other agency, Laird & Partners, is based in New York and also has about 75 employees. It specializes in ads for beauty, fashion and luxury-goods marketers like DKNY, Gap, Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein.
MDC is estimated to be paying $20 million for the majority ownership stakes in both agencies, with additional considerations based on future performance.
The acquisitions are the second and third this year for MDC, which is based in Toronto and owns all or part of about 50 agencies. The previous deal in 2011 involved a New York agency named Anomaly. MDC made 13 acquisitions last year and two in 2009.
This summer, for instance, holding companies like Havas, the Publicis Groupe and WPP have announced deals for agencies like Big Fuel, DPZ, Host and Lunchbox.
And on Thursday, Publicis said that it would buy Schwartz Communications, a public relations agency with offices in Boston, London, San Francisco and Stockholm. It was the sixth acquisition of a public relations agency by Publicis in 18 months, according to The Holmes Report, a trade publication.
Another example of the trend will come on Friday, when MDC Partners, which owns agencies like Crispin Porter & Bogusky and Kirshenbaum Bond Senecal & Partners, is to announce the acquisition of majority stakes in two specialty agencies.
One agency, Concentric Pharma Advertising, creates campaigns for pharmaceutical marketers like Bayer, Novartis, Pfizer and Roche. Concentric has 75 employees who work at a headquarters in New York and an office in London.
•
The other agency, Laird & Partners, is based in New York and also has about 75 employees. It specializes in ads for beauty, fashion and luxury-goods marketers like DKNY, Gap, Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein.
MDC is estimated to be paying $20 million for the majority ownership stakes in both agencies, with additional considerations based on future performance.
The acquisitions are the second and third this year for MDC, which is based in Toronto and owns all or part of about 50 agencies. The previous deal in 2011 involved a New York agency named Anomaly. MDC made 13 acquisitions last year and two in 2009.
Publicis' MSL Group Acquires Schwartz Communications
http://adage.com/article/agency-news/publicis-msl-group-acquires-schwartz-communications/229787/
MSL Group, Publicis Groupe's $405 million PR network, has acquired Schwartz Communications in a move to strengthen its health-care and technology portfolio.
"Our aim is to become one of the top three global networks and companies, so we've been looking at acquisitions in many countries," MSL Group CEO Olivier Fleurot told Ad Age. "We have identified gaps in our network. Some are geographic; some are about sectors and industries; and we think Schwartz is the perfect fit."
Neither organization would disclose the terms of the deal, but the mid-sized, Massachusetts-based firm finished 2010 with just more than $25 million in fee billings, not including expenses, and 2% growth over 2009. More than 30% of its fee billings in 2010 came from its San Francisco office, which saw a 15% increase last year, said Mr. Scanlon. The firm would not disclose projections for 2011.
The acquisition should bolster MSLGroup's health-care expertise in the biotech and devices categories, as well as strengthen its technology portfolio and its presence on the West Coast and in New England. Its sixth acquisition in the category this year, the move also reflects a larger goal by Publicis Groupe to grow its global PR operations. The other five global agencies this year include: Genedigi in China; Andreoli MSL in Brazil; 20:20 MSL, a social-media firm in India; Eastwei MSL in China; and Interactive Communications Limited in Taiwan, which is now called ICL MSL.
MSL Group, Publicis Groupe's $405 million PR network, has acquired Schwartz Communications in a move to strengthen its health-care and technology portfolio.
"Our aim is to become one of the top three global networks and companies, so we've been looking at acquisitions in many countries," MSL Group CEO Olivier Fleurot told Ad Age. "We have identified gaps in our network. Some are geographic; some are about sectors and industries; and we think Schwartz is the perfect fit."
Neither organization would disclose the terms of the deal, but the mid-sized, Massachusetts-based firm finished 2010 with just more than $25 million in fee billings, not including expenses, and 2% growth over 2009. More than 30% of its fee billings in 2010 came from its San Francisco office, which saw a 15% increase last year, said Mr. Scanlon. The firm would not disclose projections for 2011.
The acquisition should bolster MSLGroup's health-care expertise in the biotech and devices categories, as well as strengthen its technology portfolio and its presence on the West Coast and in New England. Its sixth acquisition in the category this year, the move also reflects a larger goal by Publicis Groupe to grow its global PR operations. The other five global agencies this year include: Genedigi in China; Andreoli MSL in Brazil; 20:20 MSL, a social-media firm in India; Eastwei MSL in China; and Interactive Communications Limited in Taiwan, which is now called ICL MSL.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
ExactTarget Said to Hire JPMorgan and Deutsche Bank for IPO
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-09-13/exacttarget-said-to-hire-jpmorgan-and-deutsche-bank-for-ipo.html
ExactTarget Inc., an e-mail marketing company that canceled plans for an initial public offering during the 2009 financial crisis, hired JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Deutsche Bank AG to handle a new attempt, said two people familiar with the matter.
ExactTarget Inc., an e-mail marketing company that canceled plans for an initial public offering during the 2009 financial crisis, hired JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Deutsche Bank AG to handle a new attempt, said two people familiar with the matter.
The Indianapolis-based company will sell shares when market conditions allow, said one of the people, who declined to be named because the plans haven’t been announced.
ExactTarget would follow Responsys Inc., another provider of marketing software, which has gained 3.3 percent since its April debut, and competitor Eloqua Ltd., which announced IPO plans last month. The companies are bucking the trend that has resulted in at least 24 U.S. IPOs getting shelved or scrapped in the past three months, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.
In May 2009, ExactTarget withdrew its initial filing, opting to raise $70 million in private capital from investors including Battery Ventures and Scale Venture Partners. ExactTarget said in July that revenue jumped 41 percent last year to $134 million. The company has more than 1,000 employees, compared with 283 at the end of 2007.
In its 2007 initial filing, ExactTarget said Thomas Weisel Partners LLC and William Blair & Co. were hired to manage the IPO. The company was about half its current size three years ago, with sales of $32.8 million in the first six months of 2008, a separate filing showed.
Investor Concern
Companies have withdrawn or postponed IPOs seeking to raise more than $3.4 billion amid investors’ concerns about the economy, the European debt crisis and Standard & Poor’s downgrade of the U.S. credit rating. Twenty-three have been pulled since the Aug. 5 downgrade, which roiled markets.
Responsys, based in San Bruno, California, reported 2010 sales of $94.1 million. As of yesterday’s market close, the company traded at 6.2 times last year’s sales. By that measure, ExactTarget would be valued at $831 million.
Eloqua, based in Vienna, Virginia, recorded revenue of $50.8 million last year. The company plans to raise $100 million in an initial share sale also led by JPMorgan and Deutsche Bank.
Eloqua, Jive Software file for $100 million stock offerings
Eloqua Ltd., a market leader in marketing automation and revenue performance solutions, and Jive Software, a marketer of social business software, have filed initial public offerings, with $100 million in common stock each.
Vienna-based Eloqua said it will use the proceeds to repay debt and capital lease obligations, as well as for working capital. Jive, with offices in Palo Alto, Calif., and Portland, Ore., has yet to achieve profitability and will apply its money to continuing operations aimed at gaining market share.
Eloqua claims more than 1,000 corporate customers for its marketing solutions, including Adobe Systems, American Express Co., McGraw-Hill Cos. and Wells Fargo & Co. Jive clients include Nike Inc. and Cisco Systems.
http://www.btobonline.com/article/20110825/STRATEGY04/308259999/eloqua-jive-software-file-for-100-million-stock-offerings?utm_source=dailynewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=editorial&utm_campaign=dailyclickthroughs
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/08/24/eloqua-idUSL4E7JO3Y620110824
Vienna-based Eloqua said it will use the proceeds to repay debt and capital lease obligations, as well as for working capital. Jive, with offices in Palo Alto, Calif., and Portland, Ore., has yet to achieve profitability and will apply its money to continuing operations aimed at gaining market share.
Eloqua claims more than 1,000 corporate customers for its marketing solutions, including Adobe Systems, American Express Co., McGraw-Hill Cos. and Wells Fargo & Co. Jive clients include Nike Inc. and Cisco Systems.
http://www.btobonline.com/article/20110825/STRATEGY04/308259999/eloqua-jive-software-file-for-100-million-stock-offerings?utm_source=dailynewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=editorial&utm_campaign=dailyclickthroughs
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/08/24/eloqua-idUSL4E7JO3Y620110824
Forrester: Interactive marketing spending will reach $76.6 billion by 2016
http://www.btobonline.com/article/20110825/ADVERTISING13/308259995/forrester-interactive-marketing-spending-will-reach-76-6-billion-by?utm_source=dailynewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=editorial&utm_campaign=dailyclickthroughs
U.S. interactive marketing spending will grow from $34.5 billion this year to $76.6 billion in 2016, a compound annual growth rate of 17%, according to a new report by Forrester Research.
Forrester's “U.S. Interactive Marketing Forecast, 2011-2016” projects that interactive marketing will make up 35% of all marketing spending by 2016, up from 19% this year.
Spending on search marketing will grow from $18.8 billion this year to $33.3 billion in 2016; display ads will grow from $10.9 billion this year to $27.6 billion; and social media will increase from $1.6 billion this year to $5.0 billion.
U.S. interactive marketing spending will grow from $34.5 billion this year to $76.6 billion in 2016, a compound annual growth rate of 17%, according to a new report by Forrester Research.
Forrester's “U.S. Interactive Marketing Forecast, 2011-2016” projects that interactive marketing will make up 35% of all marketing spending by 2016, up from 19% this year.
Spending on search marketing will grow from $18.8 billion this year to $33.3 billion in 2016; display ads will grow from $10.9 billion this year to $27.6 billion; and social media will increase from $1.6 billion this year to $5.0 billion.
DG to Acquire EyeWonder From Limelight Networks
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/dg-to-acquire-eyewonder-from-limelight-networks-nasdaq-dgit-1554960.htm
DG (NASDAQ : DGIT), a leading provider of digital media solutions and technology to the advertising, entertainment and broadcast industries, today announced a definitive agreement to acquire Limelight Networks, Inc.'s (NASDAQ : LLNW) EyeWonder video and rich media advertising unit for approximately $66 million in cash.
EyeWonder is a leading provider of interactive digital advertising products and services, including online video and rich media solutions, serving Fortune 1000 companies and premium marketers around the globe. In addition to helping advertisers, interactive agencies and content publishers create, build, track and optimize campaigns, EyeWonder is recognized globally for its technological expertise around targeting. EyeWonder Predictive Behavioral Targeting served over 3.5 billion targeted impressions in the most recent quarter.
DG expects EyeWonder to generate revenues of approximately $36 million to $37 million for full year 2011. In addition, the Company anticipates realizing $7.0 million in cost synergies in the first twelve months following the close of the EyeWonder transaction.
DG (
EyeWonder is a leading provider of interactive digital advertising products and services, including online video and rich media solutions, serving Fortune 1000 companies and premium marketers around the globe. In addition to helping advertisers, interactive agencies and content publishers create, build, track and optimize campaigns, EyeWonder is recognized globally for its technological expertise around targeting. EyeWonder Predictive Behavioral Targeting served over 3.5 billion targeted impressions in the most recent quarter.
DG expects EyeWonder to generate revenues of approximately $36 million to $37 million for full year 2011. In addition, the Company anticipates realizing $7.0 million in cost synergies in the first twelve months following the close of the EyeWonder transaction.
SolutionSet, MediaWhiz merge into full-service agency
http://www.dmnews.com/solutionset-mediawhiz-merge-into-full-service-agency/article/209387/
The combined 700-employee agency will manage clients' marketing across the following five areas: relationship marketing, digital services, local marketing, data management and media services.
Agency clients include Adidas, AT&T and American Express.
The combined agency is financed by Lake Capital, a private equity firm based in Chicago.
The combined 700-employee agency will manage clients' marketing across the following five areas: relationship marketing, digital services, local marketing, data management and media services.
Agency clients include Adidas, AT&T and American Express.
The combined agency is financed by Lake Capital, a private equity firm based in Chicago.
Advice Interactive Group acquires B2 Digital Media
http://www.btobonline.com/article/20110902/STRATEGY10/309029994/advice-interactive-group-acquires-b2-digital-media?utm_source=dailynewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=editorial&utm_campaign=dailyclickthroughs
Advice Interactive Group, a search engine optimization and Web development company, announced the acquisition of B2 Digital Media, a Costa Mesa, Calif., local SEO company. Financial terms were not disclosed. Under the acquisition, B2 will become part of Advice Interactive, based in Dallas.
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110901006410/en/Dallas-SEO-Firm-Acquires-B2-Digital-Media
Advice Interactive Group, a search engine optimization and Web development company, announced the acquisition of B2 Digital Media, a Costa Mesa, Calif., local SEO company. Financial terms were not disclosed. Under the acquisition, B2 will become part of Advice Interactive, based in Dallas.
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110901006410/en/Dallas-SEO-Firm-Acquires-B2-Digital-Media
Havas Has $1 Billion to Spend on Acquisitions but Thinks Digital Shops Are Pricey
http://adage.com/article/global-news/havas-announces-5-revenue-growth-half-2011/229544/
Mr. Jones confirmed that Havas is actively looking for acquisitions, particularly in the digital world, but cautioned, "We want to spend our money wisely. I've had 30 meetings with heads of companies but the valuation of digital businesses is extraordinarily high. I don't want to wish this on the business, but if the economy takes a downturn it could mean that our $1 billion goes a lot further."
Mr. Jones confirmed that Havas is actively looking for acquisitions, particularly in the digital world, but cautioned, "We want to spend our money wisely. I've had 30 meetings with heads of companies but the valuation of digital businesses is extraordinarily high. I don't want to wish this on the business, but if the economy takes a downturn it could mean that our $1 billion goes a lot further."
Monday, September 12, 2011
BDS Marketing, Inc. (BDS), a leading sales and marketing agency, today announced a combination with Canadian-based Consumer Impact Marketing (CIM).
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110621007335/en/BDS-Marketing-Consumer-Impact-Marketing-Create-Powerful
With mutual goals of establishing a dominant presence in the U.S. and Canada respectively, the combined companies now offer an infrastructure of more than 600 full-time and 6,400 part-time employees who are focused on driving sales and building brand awareness.
With mutual goals of establishing a dominant presence in the U.S. and Canada respectively, the combined companies now offer an infrastructure of more than 600 full-time and 6,400 part-time employees who are focused on driving sales and building brand awareness.
Dowden Health Media Acquires Priority Integrated Marketing
Priority Integrated Marketing provides healthcare and financial marketing services to organizations nationwide. Founded in 1983 and located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Priority helps its clients reach their audience and deliver results through content marketing, custom publishing, email marketing, website design and development, social media marketing and search engine optimization. More information about Priority Integrated Marketing can be found on its website at http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.priorityresults.com&esheet=6747857&lan=en-US&anchor=www.priorityresults.com&index=2&md5=35fb969aef24902f0ca0c9842c184ecb.
Campbell Soup Vows to Hold Line on Marketing
http://adage.com/article/news/campbell-soup-vows-hold-line-marketing-economy/229611/
Campbell, like other food marketers, had been engaging in heavy promotional activity, but found that discounting has failed to raise volume as planned. For the fiscal year ending July 31, Campbell sales across all of its businesses increased by just 1%, while its U.S. simple meals sales -- which include soup -- dropped by 6%, the company reported. Net income for the year dropped 5% to $805 million, and fourth-quarter net earnings fell to $100 million from $113 million.
Despite a weakening economy, Campbell Soup Co. is not backing off its plans to plow more money into innovation and marketing and cut back on heavy discounting.
The company, which is trying to reverse sluggish soup trends by putting a new focus on taste, on a quarterly earnings call Friday reaffirmed its plans to put an additional $100 million into marketing and innovation in fiscal year 2012, which began Aug. 1. "The recovery has not progressed at the pace or intensity consumers had hoped for," said CEO Denise Morrison. But "in this environment it is critical for us to deliver meaningful innovation focused on consumer needs and to differentiate our brands through effective marketing that emphasizes our products' tangible benefits and value relative to the competition."
RR Donnelley Buys Custom-Packaging Provider Genesis Packaging
http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20110907-706238.html
Genesis, based in Lemont, Ill., also produces point-of-purchase displays and signage, and has the ability to print and coat on the inside of packaging products, which is attractive to customers in the food and beverage industry.
"We continue to expand our capabilities to serve our customers' packaging and merchandising needs," said R.R. Donnelley Chief Operating Officer John Paloian. "The addition of Genesis complements our [international packaging]platform with a centrally located facility, a superb range of capabilities and deep experience."
Genesis, based in Lemont, Ill., also produces point-of-purchase displays and signage, and has the ability to print and coat on the inside of packaging products, which is attractive to customers in the food and beverage industry.
"We continue to expand our capabilities to serve our customers' packaging and merchandising needs," said R.R. Donnelley Chief Operating Officer John Paloian. "The addition of Genesis complements our [international packaging]platform with a centrally located facility, a superb range of capabilities and deep experience."
QuinStreet acquires IT Business Edge
QuinStreet Inc., an online media and vertical marketing company, has acquired IT Business Edge, which helps b2b tech marketers target customers and prospects. Financial terms of the deal, intended to expand QuinStreet's presence in tech b2b, were not disclosed. QuinStreet's “focus on performance-based marketing, proven technology platforms and scale will allow us to combine our users, audiences and capabilities to supercharge the rapid growth of QuinStreet's b2b lead-generation business, providing our mutual customers with greatly expanded and improved offerings,” said Phil Branon, president of IT Business Edge, in a statement.
http://www.btobonline.com/article/20110909/STRATEGY10/309099997/quinstreet-acquires-it-business-edge
http://www.btobonline.com/article/20110909/STRATEGY10/309099997/quinstreet-acquires-it-business-edge
Nurun acquires U.S.-based Odopod
http://www.marketingmag.ca/news/agency-news/nurun-acquires-u-s-based-odopod-35852
Nurun acquired San Francisco shop Odopod, a digital agency with more than 60 employees and clients such as Electronic Arts, Google and Tesla, marking another ex-U.S. agency digging deeper into the U.S. market. Odopod was named Ad Age‘s Small Agency of the Year for the Western Region this year.
Nurun is a small player stateside with just $6.7 million in U.S. revenue for 2010, according to Ad Age Datacenter. With Odopod, Nurun more than doubles that take: Odopod reported $11 million in 2010 revenue, up 100% from the year prior.
Nurun acquired San Francisco shop Odopod, a digital agency with more than 60 employees and clients such as Electronic Arts, Google and Tesla, marking another ex-U.S. agency digging deeper into the U.S. market. Odopod was named Ad Age‘s Small Agency of the Year for the Western Region this year.
Nurun is a small player stateside with just $6.7 million in U.S. revenue for 2010, according to Ad Age Datacenter. With Odopod, Nurun more than doubles that take: Odopod reported $11 million in 2010 revenue, up 100% from the year prior.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Borenstein Group acquires Q2 Marketing
The Borenstein Group, an integrated marketing communications company, has acquired interactive agency Q2 Marketing, based in Springfield, Va. Financial terms were undisclosed. Under the acquisition, Q2's brand and staff will be merged into Borenstein. The acquisition will expand the company's integrated offerings in healthcare IT and cloud computing technologies, according to Borenstein Group.
http://www.btobonline.com/article/20110907/STRATEGY10/309079993/borenstein-group-acquires-q2-marketing?utm_source=dailynewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=editorial&utm_campaign=dailyclickthroughs
http://www.btobonline.com/article/20110907/STRATEGY10/309079993/borenstein-group-acquires-q2-marketing?utm_source=dailynewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=editorial&utm_campaign=dailyclickthroughs
SapientNitro Buys U.K. Shop Digital and Direct for $41 Million
http://adage.com/article/global-news/sapientnitro-buys-u-k-digital-direct-shop-dad/229661/
Known as DAD, the London-based shop also has offices in Amsterdam and Munich. It specializes in customer acquisition and engagement, working with some of the biggest U.K. marketers including satellite TV company Sky, Vodafone and British retail giant Marks & Spencer.
DAD, which employs 200 people, began life as Finex in 1991. In 2000 it was sold to Incepta, a marketing and communications group, but founder Ray Fine bought the agency back in 2007, because -- according to the agency's website -- "being an entrepreneurial peg in a corporate hole wasn't the best fit for us."
Mr. Fine will join the SapientNitro European management team and will report to Nigel Vaz, managing director of SapientNitro in the U.K.
SapientNitro bought a small German mobile agency called CLANMO in July, its first acquisition since buying the Shanghai-based Nitro network in June 2009. That deal was an attempt to combine Nitro's offline advertising capabilities with Sapient's digital offering.
Speaking about the DAD acquisition, a Sapient spokesman said, "Think about it: You could see a product on a website, then visit a retail store, comparison shop for products at other merchants on your mobile phone, and buy at their online kiosk, crossing all those channels within seconds. There's a need for a new kind of marketing that can engage, satisfy -- and measure -- demand in whichever channels the customer happens to be in."
SapientNitro calls this concept "real-time marketing." The spokesman added, "We stand to benefit from the direct-response rigor and methodology that DAD will bring to our entire organization."
In August, SapientNitro, which has 33 offices in Europe, Asia and the Americas, reported first-half organic revenue growth of 27% to $254.6 million. Its clients include Foot Locker, New Balance, Coca-Cola, Dove ice cream, Tourism Queensland and Chrysler Group's Dodge.
SapientNitro is announcing today the acquisition of independent U.K. agency Digital and Direct for $41 million, in a bid to bolster the network's direct-response offering.
DAD, which employs 200 people, began life as Finex in 1991. In 2000 it was sold to Incepta, a marketing and communications group, but founder Ray Fine bought the agency back in 2007, because -- according to the agency's website -- "being an entrepreneurial peg in a corporate hole wasn't the best fit for us."
Mr. Fine will join the SapientNitro European management team and will report to Nigel Vaz, managing director of SapientNitro in the U.K.
SapientNitro bought a small German mobile agency called CLANMO in July, its first acquisition since buying the Shanghai-based Nitro network in June 2009. That deal was an attempt to combine Nitro's offline advertising capabilities with Sapient's digital offering.
Speaking about the DAD acquisition, a Sapient spokesman said, "Think about it: You could see a product on a website, then visit a retail store, comparison shop for products at other merchants on your mobile phone, and buy at their online kiosk, crossing all those channels within seconds. There's a need for a new kind of marketing that can engage, satisfy -- and measure -- demand in whichever channels the customer happens to be in."
SapientNitro calls this concept "real-time marketing." The spokesman added, "We stand to benefit from the direct-response rigor and methodology that DAD will bring to our entire organization."
In August, SapientNitro, which has 33 offices in Europe, Asia and the Americas, reported first-half organic revenue growth of 27% to $254.6 million. Its clients include Foot Locker, New Balance, Coca-Cola, Dove ice cream, Tourism Queensland and Chrysler Group's Dodge.
Barclays: Expect A Pullback In Branded Ad Spending
http://paidcontent.org/article/419-barclays-slight-pullback-in-branded-ad-spend-expected/
For online, spending will reach $29.9 billion, up 14.8 percent in 2011 and then gain 13.6 percent to end 2012 at $33.9 billion. Barclays previously anticipated a 16.5 percent increase for 2011 and 15.2 percent for 2012. Display should grow 14.9 percent to $13.2 billion, while search gains 14.5 percent to 15.9 billion in 2012. Barclays search forecast has remained unchanged, as the segment is considered to be the last ad category to be affected by a slowdown in spending and is often the first to comeback when ad budgets rise.
The main areas propelling online ad growth are video and mobile. Video remains the fastest growing part of online advertising in general and display in particular with 33 percent compound growth between 2010 and 1015, Barclays estimates.
Search currently represents a 46 percent share of total online spending, compared to banner ads, which the second largest slice, at 24 percent. Despite video’s growth, it pays to keep in mind how small it is, as it represents just 7 percent of all online ad spending.
Avoiding the vague worries about the threat of a double dip recession, Barclays’ reasons for revising its forecast down are attributed to weak estimates for back-to-school sales, pessimism around retail and coming holiday sales, and the increased likelihood that the auto industry’s recovery will sputter next year. After all, auto’s are a bellwether ad category, and it was continued spending by car makers and dealers that helped keep ad spending positive this past year. If auto goes down substantially, the rest of the leading categories could follow as well.
To put Barclays’ views in context, here are some of the recent ad spend forecasts:
—eMarketer expects online to rise 20.2 percent this year and 17 percent in 2012.
—Zenith revised its global ad spending outlook downward ever so slightly to a decent 4.1 percent rise from April’s prediction of a 4.2 percent gain. In addition, global internet advertising was also dialed back just a bit to a still robust 14.2 percent from 14.4 percent three months ago.
—WPP’s GroupM expects global ad growth of 6.8 percent in 2012 called for slowing growth, while online was still expected to grow even faster than previously thought, rising between 15- to 16 percent a year through 2012.
—IPG’s Magna Global said in April that online ads would rise 18.7 percent. It maintains that online advertising is expected to account for 17.3 percent ($30.1 billion) of total ad revenues and it expects this share will grow to 22.4 percent ($47.4 billion) in the next five years. The average growth per year will be 9.5 percent, which is quite strong in an economy expected to grow in the low single digits, on average.
There are two general rules when it comes to advertising spending these days: when times are tough, marketers tend to take money from brand awareness efforts to campaigns with a clearer return, like lead gen or direct response. The second rule is that nothing can stop the shift from traditional to digital. So it’s no surprise that Barclays has revised its U.S. ad spending projections downward for this year and next, while noting that while display’s momentum may still be strong, it’s not as robust as previously thought.
Specifically, Barclays lowered its total ad spend forecast to 1.4 percent from 2.9 percent in this year. Also, Barclays now anticipates a 4 percent rise in ad dollars instead of a 5.2 percent in 2012. And if it weren’t for the piles of cash likely to flow through next year’s presidential and congressional campaigns, ad spending in 2012 would only be 2.5 percent, says Barclays analyst Anthony DiClemente.For online, spending will reach $29.9 billion, up 14.8 percent in 2011 and then gain 13.6 percent to end 2012 at $33.9 billion. Barclays previously anticipated a 16.5 percent increase for 2011 and 15.2 percent for 2012. Display should grow 14.9 percent to $13.2 billion, while search gains 14.5 percent to 15.9 billion in 2012. Barclays search forecast has remained unchanged, as the segment is considered to be the last ad category to be affected by a slowdown in spending and is often the first to comeback when ad budgets rise.
The main areas propelling online ad growth are video and mobile. Video remains the fastest growing part of online advertising in general and display in particular with 33 percent compound growth between 2010 and 1015, Barclays estimates.
Search currently represents a 46 percent share of total online spending, compared to banner ads, which the second largest slice, at 24 percent. Despite video’s growth, it pays to keep in mind how small it is, as it represents just 7 percent of all online ad spending.
Avoiding the vague worries about the threat of a double dip recession, Barclays’ reasons for revising its forecast down are attributed to weak estimates for back-to-school sales, pessimism around retail and coming holiday sales, and the increased likelihood that the auto industry’s recovery will sputter next year. After all, auto’s are a bellwether ad category, and it was continued spending by car makers and dealers that helped keep ad spending positive this past year. If auto goes down substantially, the rest of the leading categories could follow as well.
To put Barclays’ views in context, here are some of the recent ad spend forecasts:
—eMarketer expects online to rise 20.2 percent this year and 17 percent in 2012.
—Zenith revised its global ad spending outlook downward ever so slightly to a decent 4.1 percent rise from April’s prediction of a 4.2 percent gain. In addition, global internet advertising was also dialed back just a bit to a still robust 14.2 percent from 14.4 percent three months ago.
—WPP’s GroupM expects global ad growth of 6.8 percent in 2012 called for slowing growth, while online was still expected to grow even faster than previously thought, rising between 15- to 16 percent a year through 2012.
—IPG’s Magna Global said in April that online ads would rise 18.7 percent. It maintains that online advertising is expected to account for 17.3 percent ($30.1 billion) of total ad revenues and it expects this share will grow to 22.4 percent ($47.4 billion) in the next five years. The average growth per year will be 9.5 percent, which is quite strong in an economy expected to grow in the low single digits, on average.
Monday, August 22, 2011
WPP Digital Picks Up Rockfish Interactive
http://www.clickz.com/clickz/news/2103153/wpp-digital-picks-rockfish-interactive
Terms of the deal were not disclosed, though according to a source close to the negotiations, WPP's initial offer was about $40 million.
Rockfish was founded in 2006 and employs about 150 people. The shop has opened four new offices since 2009, including ones in Dallas and Cincinnati. Its clients include EA Sports, Cisco, Sam's Club, Walmart, White Cloud and Tyson Foods.
Mark Read, CEO of WPP Digital, praised Rockfish as "a smart company that understands how technology is changing communications and business" in a written release. He also indicated that WPP plans to maintain the Rockfish brand.
WPP Digital has acquired Rockfish Interactive, a rapidly expanding digital shop based in Rogers, AR. ClickZ reported on the potential deal in July.
Rockfish was founded in 2006 and employs about 150 people. The shop has opened four new offices since 2009, including ones in Dallas and Cincinnati. Its clients include EA Sports, Cisco, Sam's Club, Walmart, White Cloud and Tyson Foods.
Mark Read, CEO of WPP Digital, praised Rockfish as "a smart company that understands how technology is changing communications and business" in a written release. He also indicated that WPP plans to maintain the Rockfish brand.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Webtrends acquires analytics company Reinvigorate
http://www.btobonline.com/article/20110808/WEB08/308089995/webtrends-acquires-analytics-company-reinvigorate?utm_source=dailynewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=editorial&utm_campaign=dailyclickthroughs
Webtrends, a provider of Web analytics, has acquired real-time analytics company Reinvigorate from Media Temple Ventures. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Webtrends said the acquisition enables it to offer real-time as well as historical analytics for mobile, social and Web channels. Among the capabilities offered by Reinvigorate are data visualization technologies, such as heat maps, link maps and visitor path analysis.
Webtrends, a provider of Web analytics, has acquired real-time analytics company Reinvigorate from Media Temple Ventures. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Webtrends said the acquisition enables it to offer real-time as well as historical analytics for mobile, social and Web channels. Among the capabilities offered by Reinvigorate are data visualization technologies, such as heat maps, link maps and visitor path analysis.
Nielsen Acquires Marketing Analytics, Inc.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Nielsen-Acquires-Marketing-bw-2128489161.html?x=0&.v=2
Nielsen Holdings N.V. (NYSE:NLSN - News), a leading global provider of information and analytics around what consumers watch and buy, announced today that it has acquired Marketing Analytics, Inc., one of the pioneers of marketing mix modeling and a recognized leader in analytics and advanced planning software. Marketing Analytics’ 52 employees will join the Nielsen team, and Nielsen will acquire all other assets including software and ongoing client projects
Headquartered in Evanston, Ill. and founded in 1991, Marketing Analytics, Inc. helps companies measure the impact of their marketing plans on sales by combining deep modeling expertise with robust software applications. Link, a long-time innovator in marketing modeling, will continue to lead the group and work to integrate these capabilities into Nielsen offerings.
Nielsen Holdings N.V. (NYSE:NLSN - News), a leading global provider of information and analytics around what consumers watch and buy, announced today that it has acquired Marketing Analytics, Inc., one of the pioneers of marketing mix modeling and a recognized leader in analytics and advanced planning software. Marketing Analytics’ 52 employees will join the Nielsen team, and Nielsen will acquire all other assets including software and ongoing client projects
Headquartered in Evanston, Ill. and founded in 1991, Marketing Analytics, Inc. helps companies measure the impact of their marketing plans on sales by combining deep modeling expertise with robust software applications. Link, a long-time innovator in marketing modeling, will continue to lead the group and work to integrate these capabilities into Nielsen offerings.
Monday, August 8, 2011
ComScore to acquire AdXpose
http://www.btobonline.com/article/20110805/STRATEGY10/308059999/comscore-to-acquire-adxpose?utm_source=dailynewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=editorial&utm_campaign=dailyclickthroughs
ComScore has agreed to acquire Seattle-based AdXpose, a company that enables advertisers to verify online ad campaign data points in real time. The primarily stock-based transaction was valued at $22 million.
“In just a few short years, AdXpose has demonstrated clear technology leadership with their leading ad verification and optimization analytics solutions, which are highly complementary to comScore's existing ad effectiveness product suite,” said Magid Abraham, comScore president-CEO, in a statement. “Through the integration of these capabilities, comScore will be able to further its mission to develop the most comprehensive end-to-end suite of digital advertising analytics.”
ComScore has agreed to acquire Seattle-based AdXpose, a company that enables advertisers to verify online ad campaign data points in real time. The primarily stock-based transaction was valued at $22 million.
“In just a few short years, AdXpose has demonstrated clear technology leadership with their leading ad verification and optimization analytics solutions, which are highly complementary to comScore's existing ad effectiveness product suite,” said Magid Abraham, comScore president-CEO, in a statement. “Through the integration of these capabilities, comScore will be able to further its mission to develop the most comprehensive end-to-end suite of digital advertising analytics.”
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Sandow acquires Seesaw digital agency
http://www.btobonline.com/article/20110712/AGENCIES03/307129992/sandow-acquires-seesaw-digital-agency?utm_source=dailynewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=editorial&utm_campaign=dailyclickthroughs
Sandow, a full-service agency based in New York, has acquired Seesaw, New York, a digital strategy and media agency. Financial terms were undisclosed. Under the acquisition, Seesaw will be renamed Wonder, and will operate as an independent agency. Wonder will provide brand development, graphic and industrial design, website development and other services to clients.
Sandow, a full-service agency based in New York, has acquired Seesaw, New York, a digital strategy and media agency. Financial terms were undisclosed. Under the acquisition, Seesaw will be renamed Wonder, and will operate as an independent agency. Wonder will provide brand development, graphic and industrial design, website development and other services to clients.
Study: Marketing automation spend to hit $325 million
http://www.btobonline.com/article/20110721/DIRECT10/307219999/study-marketing-automation-spend-to-hit-325-million?utm_source=dailynewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=editorial&utm_campaign=dailyclickthroughs
B2b marketers will spend $325 million on marketing automation solutions this year, a 50% increase in marketing automation spending over last year, according to a study by marketing consultancy Raab Associates.
According to Raab's “B2B Marketing Automation Vendor Selection Toolkit,” which also offers product comparisons and recommendations, midsize businesses (those with sales of $20 million to $500 million) command the bulk of the dollars spent, projected to hit $145 million, or 45% of the total.
However, “microbusinesses” (defined by Raab as companies with less than $5 million in revenue) lead in the number of marketing automation installations, forecast to total 12,000, or 61% of all system installations. Raab's marketing automation spending estimates are based on information provided by vendors in May and June, according to the company.
B2b marketers will spend $325 million on marketing automation solutions this year, a 50% increase in marketing automation spending over last year, according to a study by marketing consultancy Raab Associates.
According to Raab's “B2B Marketing Automation Vendor Selection Toolkit,” which also offers product comparisons and recommendations, midsize businesses (those with sales of $20 million to $500 million) command the bulk of the dollars spent, projected to hit $145 million, or 45% of the total.
However, “microbusinesses” (defined by Raab as companies with less than $5 million in revenue) lead in the number of marketing automation installations, forecast to total 12,000, or 61% of all system installations. Raab's marketing automation spending estimates are based on information provided by vendors in May and June, according to the company.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
ValueClick to Acquire Dotomi
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/ValueClick-to-Acquire-bw-4182136640.html?x=0&.v=1
ValueClick (Nasdaq:VCLK - News) and Dotomi announced today that they have signed a definitive merger agreement whereby Dotomi will become a wholly owned subsidiary of ValueClick. Privately held Dotomi is the leading provider of data-driven, intelligent display media for major retailers.
Dotomi creates and delivers display advertising where the ad creatives and media placements are dynamically adapted in real time at the user and impression level. The Company works directly with clients to integrate anonymous data and then surrounds each client with technology enabled marketing services. Dotomi manages everything from brand strategy and dynamic creative development to message delivery and decisioning. This data-driven, end-to-end approach results in display advertising that improves consumer brand engagement and generates measurable sales lift both online and offline for its clients.
ValueClick will acquire all outstanding equity interests in Dotomi for a total up-front consideration of approximately $295 million, consisting of approximately 55 percent in cash and 45 percent in ValueClick common stock.
For calendar year 2011, Dotomi expects to generate over $80 million in revenue.
ValueClick (Nasdaq:VCLK - News) and Dotomi announced today that they have signed a definitive merger agreement whereby Dotomi will become a wholly owned subsidiary of ValueClick. Privately held Dotomi is the leading provider of data-driven, intelligent display media for major retailers.
Dotomi creates and delivers display advertising where the ad creatives and media placements are dynamically adapted in real time at the user and impression level. The Company works directly with clients to integrate anonymous data and then surrounds each client with technology enabled marketing services. Dotomi manages everything from brand strategy and dynamic creative development to message delivery and decisioning. This data-driven, end-to-end approach results in display advertising that improves consumer brand engagement and generates measurable sales lift both online and offline for its clients.
ValueClick will acquire all outstanding equity interests in Dotomi for a total up-front consideration of approximately $295 million, consisting of approximately 55 percent in cash and 45 percent in ValueClick common stock.
For calendar year 2011, Dotomi expects to generate over $80 million in revenue.
DDB Worldwide Announces the Acquisition of Synergy
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/DDB-Worldwide-Announces-the-prnews-2107788055.html?x=0&.v=1
DDB Worldwide President and CEO Chuck Brymer announced today the acquisition of Synergy, a global player in medical and scientific communications that will be part of DDB Worldwide's growing DDB Health group.
DDB Worldwide President and CEO Chuck Brymer announced today the acquisition of Synergy, a global player in medical and scientific communications that will be part of DDB Worldwide's growing DDB Health group.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Ipsos buys Synovate
http://adage.com/article/global-news/selling-synovate-ipsos-aegis-play/228948/
Aegis Group has sold its market research arm Synovate to French group Ipsos for $862 million, concluding talks that began in June and prompting immediate speculation that Aegis itself will go into play and could be a good fit for one of the big agency-holding companies.
The sale leaves Aegis Group focused entirely on media buying and digital marketing. The group's main businesses now are media-buying networks Carat and Vizeum, digital network Isobar, out-of-home specialist Posterscope and digital search company iProspect.
Synovate accounted for $885.4 million of Aegis Group's total revenue in 2010, according to Ad Age's DataCenter,
Ipsos will jump from being the world's fifth-largest market research company to No. 3, said Didier Truchot, Ipsos co-president, in a statement: "This deal will meet our goals to make Ipsos a worldwide brand, synonymous with excellence in each of its fields of specialization and better able to attract and keep clients."
Fathom Online acquires Webbed Marketing
http://www.btobonline.com/article/20110729/STRATEGY10/307299997/fathom-online-acquires-webbed-marketing?utm_source=dailynewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=editorial&utm_campaign=dailyclickthroughs
Fathom said the acquisition will expand its social media and search services. Webbed Marketing serves clients in industries including government, healthcare and IT.
Fathom said the acquisition will expand its social media and search services. Webbed Marketing serves clients in industries including government, healthcare and IT.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
JWT Buys L.A. Shopper-Marketing Firm Lunchbox
http://adage.com/article/agency-news/jwt-buys-l-a-shopper-marketing-firm-lunchbox/228809/
Lunchbox says its expertise is in retail strategy and building shopper-marketing solutions -- online, on mobile devices and via in-store video and point-of-purchase displays. The firm has also produced branded music performances online and in-store for retailers, and claims to have worked with a long list of well-known artists, including Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, Justin Bieber, the Jonas Brothers, Lady Gaga, Adele, Rihanna, The Ting Tings, Lil Wayne, Drake and David Cook.
One of its better-known executions is the Walmart Soundcheck platform, which features original concert footage and interviews and partners with a variety of Unilever brands. It can be accessed through Walmart.com as well as in-store.
Lunchbox was founded in 2005 by Adam Roe, an interesting character who boasts on his LinkedIn page that in addition to his branding and advertising experience he is a former competitive skateboarder, Japanese monster movie star and a licensed clinical hypnotherapist. Though Lunchbox is based in L.A., it also has offices in San Francisco, Chicago and Bentonville, Ark.
JWT North America has inked a deal to acquire Lunchbox L.P., a 70-person shopper-marketing agency based in Los Angeles. The companies share two key clients: Unilever and Kimberly-Clark.
One of its better-known executions is the Walmart Soundcheck platform, which features original concert footage and interviews and partners with a variety of Unilever brands. It can be accessed through Walmart.com as well as in-store.
Lunchbox was founded in 2005 by Adam Roe, an interesting character who boasts on his LinkedIn page that in addition to his branding and advertising experience he is a former competitive skateboarder, Japanese monster movie star and a licensed clinical hypnotherapist. Though Lunchbox is based in L.A., it also has offices in San Francisco, Chicago and Bentonville, Ark.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Behind Big Fuel's Sale to Publicis Groupe
http://adage.com/article/agency-news/big-fuel-s-sale-publicis-groupe/228769/
Publicis has invested enough to be majority owner -- it has a 51% equity stake -- but it has the option to own the shop fully by 2014.
The deal demonstrates the urgency with which Madison Avenue believes it needs to be equipped to provide a range of digital and social-media solutions for its clients. And it also shows Publicis' seemingly insatiable appetite for acquisitions these days.
The ink is dry. A week after Ad Age reported the two companies were in talks, Publicis Groupe announced it has taken a majority stake in New York-based social media shop Big Fuel.
The deal demonstrates the urgency with which Madison Avenue believes it needs to be equipped to provide a range of digital and social-media solutions for its clients. And it also shows Publicis' seemingly insatiable appetite for acquisitions these days.
As part of the agreement, Big Fuel -- a relatively new, social media-only outfit helmed by longtime adman Jon Bond -- will fall under the Vivaki umbrella at Publicis as a social-media resource for existing agencies in the group, including Digitas, Razorfish, Starcom MediaVest Group and Zenith Optimedia.
The shop has grown very quickly. Big Fuel has more than 170 employees today, up from 30 in early 2010. Revenue this year is expected to hit $30 million, up five times from 2010 revenue, according to a statement from Publicis. Big Fuel is social-media agency of record for T-Mobile and General Motors, a major client for Publicis. Investment bank Jordan Edmiston Group represented Big Fuel in the transaction.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Publicis Groupe in Talks to Acquire Big Fuel
http://adage.com/article/agency-news/publicis-groupe-talks-acquire-big-fuel/228698/
Publicis Groupe's Vivaki unit is in advanced talks to acquire Big Fuel, a New York-based social-media agency, Ad Age has learned.
Big Fuel CEO Jon Bond and a Vivaki spokeswoman did not respond to requests for comment by press time.
Publicis Groupe's Vivaki unit is in advanced talks to acquire Big Fuel, a New York-based social-media agency, Ad Age has learned.
Big Fuel, which bills itself as a "pure-play social-media agency designed for the needs of large brands," shares a number of clients with Publicis Groupe. Among them are General Motors, McDonald's, Microsoft and T-Mobile, which just tapped Big Fuel to serve as its first social-media agency of record earlier this week. GM has been a transformative client for Big Fuel; new assignments from the automaker have forced the agency to increase headcount substantially in the last six months, according to two people briefed on the company.
Big Fuel CEO Jon Bond and a Vivaki spokeswoman did not respond to requests for comment by press time.
Big Fuel was born in 2008, when TV producer Avi Savar renamed his existing broadcast production agency. Then focused on branded content, the agency has since evolved to handle social media for marketers.
The deal -- which people familiar with the situation say is in the advanced stages and could see a contract agreement materialize within a week -- comes as the third-largest agency holding company has expanded its budget for acquisitions, with a focus on digital companies and growing its footprint in China and other emerging markets.
Digital accounts for more than one quarter of U.S. agency revenues
http://www.marketingmag.ca/news/agency-news/digital-accounts-for-more-than-one-quarter-of-u-s-agency-revenues-26472
Advertising Age looked at more than 900 ad shops for its 2011 Agency Report, and of the US$30.4 billion they made in revenue in 2010, 28% – US$8.5 billion – came from digital services.
One point is clear: digital has become a standard tool across every agency discipline.
To be sure, six in 10 digital dollars – or $5.1 billion – last year went to digital-specialty agencies such as Publicis Groupe’s Digitas and Sapient Corp.’s SapientNitro.
The second biggest portion – $2 billion – went to agencies whose core business is direct marketing or customer relationship management. Ad Age estimates direct-marketing/CRM agencies generated 42% of U.S. revenue from digital services in 2010.
Advertising Age looked at more than 900 ad shops for its 2011 Agency Report, and of the US$30.4 billion they made in revenue in 2010, 28% – US$8.5 billion – came from digital services.
One point is clear: digital has become a standard tool across every agency discipline.
To be sure, six in 10 digital dollars – or $5.1 billion – last year went to digital-specialty agencies such as Publicis Groupe’s Digitas and Sapient Corp.’s SapientNitro.
The second biggest portion – $2 billion – went to agencies whose core business is direct marketing or customer relationship management. Ad Age estimates direct-marketing/CRM agencies generated 42% of U.S. revenue from digital services in 2010.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
WPP invests in Just Marketing International
http://adage.com/article/agency-news/wpp-invested-sports-marketing-shop-jmi/228651/
The world's largest holding company today said it has taken a stake in Just Marketing International, an Indianapolis-based motorsports marketing shop.
Andrew Scott, WPP's director of corporate development, told Ad Age that the holding company has worked with JMI for more than a decade, getting to know the shop through relationships built with WPP's media agencies. Mr. Scott said the investment in JMI is a reflection that the holding company "sees opportunities in the sector" and that sports marketing globally is attracting more interest from WPP's clients. He also said that JMI's specialty, motorsports, attracts large worldwide audiences -- in the U.S. with Nascar and abroad with Formula One racing. "It's an increasingly interesting area for our clients. ... There are truly global, cross-platform, new-media opportunities," Mr. Scott said.
He declined to talk about terms of the deal.
The stake is understood to be somewhere between 20% and 25%. Spire Capital, which took a majority stake in JMI in 2008, remains the principal shareholder, and its CEO, Zak Brown, is still the second biggest shareholder. JMI has about 120 employees, and beyond its Midwest headquarters, it has small offices in London, Singapore, Hong Kong, Charlotte, N.C., and Daytona Beach, Fla. With the help of WPP, it's likely the firm could move into new markets.
Mr. Brown opened the firm's doors in 1995, and its client roster includes some shared clients with WPP agencies, including UPS, which works with Ogilvy, and DirecTV which works with Grey, as well as a number of clients WPP shops don't work with. JMI's client list includes Subway Restaurants, Farmers Insurance, LG Electronics and Johnnie Walker.
WPP, which in addition to its new affiliation with IMG and stake in JMI also owns London-based sports-marketing firm Prism, may look at other deals in the sector down the road. "We're actively looking at investment opportunities in the sports-marketing and entertainment sector," Mr. Scott said.
The world's largest holding company today said it has taken a stake in Just Marketing International, an Indianapolis-based motorsports marketing shop.
Andrew Scott, WPP's director of corporate development, told Ad Age that the holding company has worked with JMI for more than a decade, getting to know the shop through relationships built with WPP's media agencies. Mr. Scott said the investment in JMI is a reflection that the holding company "sees opportunities in the sector" and that sports marketing globally is attracting more interest from WPP's clients. He also said that JMI's specialty, motorsports, attracts large worldwide audiences -- in the U.S. with Nascar and abroad with Formula One racing. "It's an increasingly interesting area for our clients. ... There are truly global, cross-platform, new-media opportunities," Mr. Scott said.
He declined to talk about terms of the deal.
The stake is understood to be somewhere between 20% and 25%. Spire Capital, which took a majority stake in JMI in 2008, remains the principal shareholder, and its CEO, Zak Brown, is still the second biggest shareholder. JMI has about 120 employees, and beyond its Midwest headquarters, it has small offices in London, Singapore, Hong Kong, Charlotte, N.C., and Daytona Beach, Fla. With the help of WPP, it's likely the firm could move into new markets.
Mr. Brown opened the firm's doors in 1995, and its client roster includes some shared clients with WPP agencies, including UPS, which works with Ogilvy, and DirecTV which works with Grey, as well as a number of clients WPP shops don't work with. JMI's client list includes Subway Restaurants, Farmers Insurance, LG Electronics and Johnnie Walker.
WPP, which in addition to its new affiliation with IMG and stake in JMI also owns London-based sports-marketing firm Prism, may look at other deals in the sector down the road. "We're actively looking at investment opportunities in the sports-marketing and entertainment sector," Mr. Scott said.
Monday, July 11, 2011
WPP to Allocate 200 Million Pounds in 2011 on Acquisitions, Sorrell Says
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-06-13/wpp-to-allocate-200-million-pounds-in-2011-on-acquisitions-sorrell-says.html
WPP will allocate more than 200 million pounds ($325 million) this year on acquisitions, compared with a typical annual budget of 100 million pounds in previous years, Sorrell said in an interview with Bloomberg Television at the World Economic Forum in Jakarta today. The company is seeking to expand in “new media” such as the Internet, and in emerging markets, he said.
WPP will allocate more than 200 million pounds ($325 million) this year on acquisitions, compared with a typical annual budget of 100 million pounds in previous years, Sorrell said in an interview with Bloomberg Television at the World Economic Forum in Jakarta today. The company is seeking to expand in “new media” such as the Internet, and in emerging markets, he said.
Group M's Canadian Outlook
http://www.marketingmag.ca/news/media-news/groupm-downgrades-global-ad-spend-forecasts-31381?p=31381?utm_source=EmailMarketing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=marketing_daily_AM
• TV is strong, but newspapers reign. After spending $3.76B on TV advertising in 2010, advertisers will pay $4.01B this year and $4.09B next. Newspapers took in $4B in ad revenue in 2010, and are likely to bring in $4.18B this year and $4.2B next.
• TV spending was up a whopping 21% in 2010 after falling 8.5% in the dark recession-clouded days of 2009. It’s predicted to rise a more modest 6.8% this year and just 2% in 2012.
• Magazine was the only media that didn’t enjoy a bounce-back in 2010. After falling 14.7% in 2009, consumer magazines were off another 2% in 2010 and are projected to be flat this year. For business books, the drop was 13.8% in 2009, 3% last year and will likely fall another 3% this year.
• In 2004, Canadian marketers spent just $364 million on digital advertising; that rose to just over $2 billion last year and should hit $2.365 billion in 2011 (about 17.4% of all media spend).
• Procter & Gamble remains Canada’s biggest advertiser, spending $211 million in 2010, up 27% from the year before. GM was in second place spending $151 million, up 68%, followed by the Federal Government ($126 million, +4%) and Rogers Communications ($124 million, +8%).
• TV is strong, but newspapers reign. After spending $3.76B on TV advertising in 2010, advertisers will pay $4.01B this year and $4.09B next. Newspapers took in $4B in ad revenue in 2010, and are likely to bring in $4.18B this year and $4.2B next.
• TV spending was up a whopping 21% in 2010 after falling 8.5% in the dark recession-clouded days of 2009. It’s predicted to rise a more modest 6.8% this year and just 2% in 2012.
• Magazine was the only media that didn’t enjoy a bounce-back in 2010. After falling 14.7% in 2009, consumer magazines were off another 2% in 2010 and are projected to be flat this year. For business books, the drop was 13.8% in 2009, 3% last year and will likely fall another 3% this year.
• In 2004, Canadian marketers spent just $364 million on digital advertising; that rose to just over $2 billion last year and should hit $2.365 billion in 2011 (about 17.4% of all media spend).
• Procter & Gamble remains Canada’s biggest advertiser, spending $211 million in 2010, up 27% from the year before. GM was in second place spending $151 million, up 68%, followed by the Federal Government ($126 million, +4%) and Rogers Communications ($124 million, +8%).
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Infogroup sells research unit to private equity firm
Database company Infogroup sold its research branch, Opinion Research Company International (ORC), to Chicago-based private equity firm Lake Capital Management.
Infogroup president and CEO Clare Hart said July 7 that the sale will allow Infogroup to concentrate on consumer data, list management and brokerage, multichannel marketing and sales enablement.
“The sale creates an opportunity for us to focus our resources on the focus of our business,” she said. Hart declined to provide specifics, saying only that the sale is “part of an ongoing effort to concentrate resources to the most important areas.”
Marc Litvinoff, CEO of ORC, said in a statement: “Lake Capital is a great fit for ORC, as it will give us the flexibility to invest in high-growth opportunities that will further enhance our existing research offerings to clients and expand our global footprint.”
ORC, which was acquired by Infogroup in 2006 for $134.3 million, will be independently run, according to a statement.
About 400 full-time employees, or approximately 15% of Infogroup's full-time workforce, will move to Lake Capital Management as part of the transaction. Infogroup began a round of layoffs June 30 that reportedly cut 140 jobs.
http://www.dmnews.com/infogroup-sells-research-unit-to-private-equity-firm/article/206894/
Infogroup president and CEO Clare Hart said July 7 that the sale will allow Infogroup to concentrate on consumer data, list management and brokerage, multichannel marketing and sales enablement.
“The sale creates an opportunity for us to focus our resources on the focus of our business,” she said. Hart declined to provide specifics, saying only that the sale is “part of an ongoing effort to concentrate resources to the most important areas.”
Marc Litvinoff, CEO of ORC, said in a statement: “Lake Capital is a great fit for ORC, as it will give us the flexibility to invest in high-growth opportunities that will further enhance our existing research offerings to clients and expand our global footprint.”
ORC, which was acquired by Infogroup in 2006 for $134.3 million, will be independently run, according to a statement.
About 400 full-time employees, or approximately 15% of Infogroup's full-time workforce, will move to Lake Capital Management as part of the transaction. Infogroup began a round of layoffs June 30 that reportedly cut 140 jobs.
http://www.dmnews.com/infogroup-sells-research-unit-to-private-equity-firm/article/206894/
Thursday, June 30, 2011
DG Fastchannel to buy MediaMind, expanding global online presence
http://www.btobonline.com/article/20110617/ADVERTISING11/306179997/dg-fastchannel-to-buy-mediamind-expanding-global-online-presence?utm_source=dailynewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=editorial&utm_campaign=dailyclickthroughs
Digital ad distributor DG Fastchannel announced it will acquire international digital ad company MediaMind Technologies for $414 million in cash and stock.
DG already has a strong North American broadcast market share, boasting some 28,000 TV, radio, print and online broadcasters and publishers, on behalf of more than 5,000 advertisers and agencies.
The MediaMind acquisition is expected to leverage DG's entree into the international online ad market. New York-based MediaMind has 37 international offices, distributing digital ads online to Web publishers for 9,000 brands in 64 countries.
Aegis Media's iProspect acquires ICUC Moderation Services
http://www.btobonline.com/article/20110609/AGENCIES03/306099994/aegis-medias-iprospect-acquires-icuc-moderation-services?utm_source=dailynewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=editorial&utm_campaign=dailyclickthroughs
Aegis Media's iProspect, a digital agency, has acquired ICUC Moderation Services, a social media management company. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. ICUC's client list includes Chevron Corp., Intel Corp. and Starbucks Corp. ICUC's services include moderating social media conversations and leveraging user-generated content, chat and live events. AdMedia Partners acted as exclusive financial adviser to ICUC in the deal.
Aegis Media's iProspect, a digital agency, has acquired ICUC Moderation Services, a social media management company. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. ICUC's client list includes Chevron Corp., Intel Corp. and Starbucks Corp. ICUC's services include moderating social media conversations and leveraging user-generated content, chat and live events. AdMedia Partners acted as exclusive financial adviser to ICUC in the deal.
J. Knipper and Company Expands Presence in Healthcare Marketing Distribution and Pharmaceutical Sampling Services, Acquiring Pharmagistics
http://www.knipper.com/pr_12_08_2010.html
Situated in Somerset, N.J., Pharmagistics’ 80,000 square foot facility is in a key location close to transportation hubs. Following the consummation of the acquisition, J. Knipper and Company will continue to operate out of this facility, bringing Knipper’s total foot-print in New Jersey to 350,000 square feet.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Top 200 brands advertising budgets
http://www.marketingdegree.net/advertising-spends"> src=" http://images.marketingdegree.net.s3.amazonaws.com/ad-age.jpg" alt="Top 200 Brands Advertising Spends" width="500" border="0" />
Designed by http://www.blogger.com/%3CA%20href= Degree, to see the research please http://www.blogger.com/%3CA%20href= here
http://adage.com/article/adagestat/top-200-u-s-brands-ranked-2010-ad-spend-infographic/228340/
Designed by http://www.blogger.com/%3CA%20href= Degree, to see the research please http://www.blogger.com/%3CA%20href= here
http://adage.com/article/adagestat/top-200-u-s-brands-ranked-2010-ad-spend-infographic/228340/
WPP links ad-buying technologies to vast database
http://www.btobonline.com/article/20110628/ADVERTISING12/306289997/wpp-links-ad-buying-technologies-to-vast-database?utm_source=dailynewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=editorial&utm_campaign=dailyclickthroughs
dvertising and communications holding company WPP has opened a new unit, Xaxis, that ties together its current ad-buying technologies with a massive database of customer profiles. This move, according to the company, will extend its capabilities in audience targeting via ad exchanges and agency trading desks.
Xaxis will administer a database of more than 500 million profiles that include demographic, financial, purchase and geographic data. The company will offer data-informed ad services for clients of WPP's GroupM media agency group.
WPP said its database contains only anonymous information. Ads directed at particular individuals based on behavioral tracking will include the ad industry's new icon, providing information on why viewers are seeing the ad and giving them the ability to opt out of receiving future ads.
Monday, June 6, 2011
NCO Group Acquires Protocol Global Solutions
http://www.protocolglobalsolutions.com/News/NCOacquiresProtocol.aspx
NCO Group, Inc. (“NCO” or the “Company”), a global provider of business process outsourcing services, announced today that it has acquired Protocol Global Solutions, Inc.(“Protocol”), a leading provider of BPO solutions specializing in contact center services for the energy, healthcare, government, pharmaceutical, and insurance markets. Protocol has 2,200 employees in 7 locations across the US and internationally.
Within its CRM Group, NCO currently serves some of the most prestigious brands in the world via all contact channels, across the complete customer lifecycle. The impact of the transaction is a combined company with enhanced CRM market penetration and capabilities to drive growth in strategic markets. This further strengthens opportunities to provide a broader range and scale of client solutions in the CRM marketplace.
Commenting on the acquisition, Ronald A. Rittenmeyer, NCO’s President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “The acquisition of Protocol is an integral part of the repositioning of our CRM business. Protocol’s strong presence in growth verticals as well as their experienced and proven management team will enhance our service offerings and build on NCO’s leadership position in the BPO industry.”
NCO Group, Inc. (“NCO” or the “Company”), a global provider of business process outsourcing services, announced today that it has acquired Protocol Global Solutions, Inc.(“Protocol”), a leading provider of BPO solutions specializing in contact center services for the energy, healthcare, government, pharmaceutical, and insurance markets. Protocol has 2,200 employees in 7 locations across the US and internationally.
Within its CRM Group, NCO currently serves some of the most prestigious brands in the world via all contact channels, across the complete customer lifecycle. The impact of the transaction is a combined company with enhanced CRM market penetration and capabilities to drive growth in strategic markets. This further strengthens opportunities to provide a broader range and scale of client solutions in the CRM marketplace.
Commenting on the acquisition, Ronald A. Rittenmeyer, NCO’s President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “The acquisition of Protocol is an integral part of the repositioning of our CRM business. Protocol’s strong presence in growth verticals as well as their experienced and proven management team will enhance our service offerings and build on NCO’s leadership position in the BPO industry.”
Aegis in Talks to Sell Market Research Unit
http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2011/06/05/business/business-us-aegis.html?_r=1&src=busln&nl=business&emc=dlbka22
Marketing company Aegis has received an approach for its market research unit Synovate from French group Ipsos that could result in a bid battle and ultimate sale of the whole company.
Aegis has long been seen as a merger target for French group Havas, with financier Vincent Bollore the major shareholder in both companies.
After several years of saying he would like the two companies to work more closely together, Bollore has recently indicated a willingness to sell his Aegis holding.
Analysts said major groups such as Publicis could be interested in buying parts of the rest of Aegis, as could Havas.
"The board of Aegis Group confirms that it is in discussions with Ipsos in relation to a potential transaction regarding its market research business Synovate," the group said. "There can be no certainty that any agreement will be reached."
Marketing company Aegis has received an approach for its market research unit Synovate from French group Ipsos that could result in a bid battle and ultimate sale of the whole company.
Aegis has long been seen as a merger target for French group Havas, with financier Vincent Bollore the major shareholder in both companies.
After several years of saying he would like the two companies to work more closely together, Bollore has recently indicated a willingness to sell his Aegis holding.
Analysts said major groups such as Publicis could be interested in buying parts of the rest of Aegis, as could Havas.
"The board of Aegis Group confirms that it is in discussions with Ipsos in relation to a potential transaction regarding its market research business Synovate," the group said. "There can be no certainty that any agreement will be reached."
Friday, June 3, 2011
Diamond Integrated Marketing picks up The Jetstar Group
http://www.marketingmag.ca/news/agency-news/diamond-integrated-marketing-picks-up-the-jetstar-group-28282?p=28282?utm_source=EmailMarketing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=marketing_daily_AM
Diamond, a full‐service experiential marketing agency, announced late yesterday that it has acquired engagement agency Jetstar. Jetstar’s main specialty areas include music, gaming and engagement, with clients including NFL Canada, PepsiCo and Nissan.
Diamond, a full‐service experiential marketing agency, announced late yesterday that it has acquired engagement agency Jetstar. Jetstar’s main specialty areas include music, gaming and engagement, with clients including NFL Canada, PepsiCo and Nissan.
Big Fuel Grabs Talent With Apex Buy
http://www.adweek.com/news/advertising-branding/big-fuel-grabs-talent-apex-buy-132129
Apex Exposure, a Brooklyn-based digital marketing firm profiled in Adweek’s "Talent Takes the F Train" cover story from our April 18 relaunch issue, has been snapped up by Big Fuel, a New York agency on a hiring spree.
Big Fuel, which, led by CEO Jon Bond, handles social media work for clients like General Motors and Colgate-Palmolive, has already moved all six of Apex’s full-time employees to its Flatiron offices in Manhattan. (Four part-time staffers were let go.)
Early last year, two other companies had tried to acquire Apex, but at the time co-founders Ben Luntz and Josh Scheiner weren’t looking to sell. But after a year, they reconsidered and went to Big Fuel to offer up themselves and their company. They’ll bring along some of their clients, including LeBron James’ Purebrands. But Big Fuel wanted Apex’s talent and their contacts more than its existing business.
At Big Fuel, Luntz and Scheiner will lead a 20-person team focused on making branded content and getting online publishers
Apex Exposure, a Brooklyn-based digital marketing firm profiled in Adweek’s "Talent Takes the F Train" cover story from our April 18 relaunch issue, has been snapped up by Big Fuel, a New York agency on a hiring spree.
Big Fuel, which, led by CEO Jon Bond, handles social media work for clients like General Motors and Colgate-Palmolive, has already moved all six of Apex’s full-time employees to its Flatiron offices in Manhattan. (Four part-time staffers were let go.)
Early last year, two other companies had tried to acquire Apex, but at the time co-founders Ben Luntz and Josh Scheiner weren’t looking to sell. But after a year, they reconsidered and went to Big Fuel to offer up themselves and their company. They’ll bring along some of their clients, including LeBron James’ Purebrands. But Big Fuel wanted Apex’s talent and their contacts more than its existing business.
At Big Fuel, Luntz and Scheiner will lead a 20-person team focused on making branded content and getting online publishers
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Yodle acquires ProfitFuel
http://www.btobonline.com/article/20110524/AGENCIES03/305249997/yodle-acquires-profitfuel?utm_source=dailynewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=editorial&utm_campaign=dailyclickthroughs
Yodle, a local online marketing company based in New York, announced the acquisition of ProfitFuel, an Austin, Texas-based local search engine optimization agency. Financial terms were undisclosed. Under the acquisition, ProfitFuel will be integrated into Yodle, and its Austin office will become a major hub for the agency. David Rubin, previously CEO of ProfitFuel, will become senior VP-sales at Yodle.
Yodle, a local online marketing company based in New York, announced the acquisition of ProfitFuel, an Austin, Texas-based local search engine optimization agency. Financial terms were undisclosed. Under the acquisition, ProfitFuel will be integrated into Yodle, and its Austin office will become a major hub for the agency. David Rubin, previously CEO of ProfitFuel, will become senior VP-sales at Yodle.
Traditional Media Spending Faces Stagnation
The flight of ad dollars away from traditional media is set to continue, according to a new forecast from eMarketer.
After a recovery from the recession—during which U.S. spending on traditional media (directories, magazines, newspapers, outdoor, radio, and TV) fell by 18.5 percent—eMarketer estimates that spending increased by 2.1 percent in 2010 and projects growth of just under 1 percent this year. From 2012 to 2015, total traditional media spending is predicted to hover around an annual total of $129 billion, barely up from a projected $126 billion this year.
The one exception is spending on TV advertising (which includes network, syndication, and spot broadcast TV as well as cable TV). eMarketer estimates that this grew by nearly 10 percent in 2010, as the economy recovered to reach a total of $59 billion. By 2015, U.S. spending on TV advertising is forecast to total $68 billion.
The firm's last forecast for U.S. online ad spending put the total at $26 billion in 2010 and projected that it would reach $40.5 billion by 2014.
http://www.adweek.com/news/advertising-branding/traditional-media-spending-faces-stagnation-131974
After a recovery from the recession—during which U.S. spending on traditional media (directories, magazines, newspapers, outdoor, radio, and TV) fell by 18.5 percent—eMarketer estimates that spending increased by 2.1 percent in 2010 and projects growth of just under 1 percent this year. From 2012 to 2015, total traditional media spending is predicted to hover around an annual total of $129 billion, barely up from a projected $126 billion this year.
The one exception is spending on TV advertising (which includes network, syndication, and spot broadcast TV as well as cable TV). eMarketer estimates that this grew by nearly 10 percent in 2010, as the economy recovered to reach a total of $59 billion. By 2015, U.S. spending on TV advertising is forecast to total $68 billion.
The firm's last forecast for U.S. online ad spending put the total at $26 billion in 2010 and projected that it would reach $40.5 billion by 2014.
http://www.adweek.com/news/advertising-branding/traditional-media-spending-faces-stagnation-131974
Twitter finalizes its acquisition of TweetDeck
http://www.btobonline.com/article/20110526/SOCIAL0102/305269998/twitter-finalizes-its-acquisition-of-tweetdeck?utm_source=dailynewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=editorial&utm_campaign=dailyclickthroughs
After more than a month of speculation, Twitter Inc. has confirmed that its plan to acquire popular third-party Twitter client TweetDeck has been finalized. No purchase price was disclosed, but CNNMoney has reported that the deal was for about $40 million.
According to Twitter CEO Dick Costolo, the TweetDeck acquisition will provide the company with a platform for "power users."
http://adage.com/article/digital/tweetdeck-deal-means-twitter/227746/
Why did Twitter buy TweetDeck? Essentially, to keep the Twitterati that use the app happy and in the fold but, more important, to deliver more ad impressions to a bigger part of the Twitter audience.
"Since TweetDeck users rarely visit the Twitter.com website, they don't see Twitter's advertising, and that's a big hole that needs to be filled," said eMarketer analyst Debra Williamson.
Twitter especially wanted to keep those elite power users out of the hands of Bill Gross' UberMedia, a company that develops third-party Twitter products that was in talks to buy TweetDeck before that deal fell apart. Mr. Gross' company, which had purchased Twitter client Echofon in January, was sanctioned by Twitter last year for serving its own ads on Twitter content.
It only makes sense that third-party services wanted to start making money off Twitter's content, and it also makes sense that Twitter would put a stop to it, gaining control of an unruly ecosystem that includes more than 600,000 developers and close to 1 million apps.
TweetDeck, based in London, is the most popular third-party Twitter monitoring tool, with a 13.1% market share, ranking behind only Twitter's own solutions, according to social media monitoring company Sysomos.
After more than a month of speculation, Twitter Inc. has confirmed that its plan to acquire popular third-party Twitter client TweetDeck has been finalized. No purchase price was disclosed, but CNNMoney has reported that the deal was for about $40 million.
According to Twitter CEO Dick Costolo, the TweetDeck acquisition will provide the company with a platform for "power users."
http://adage.com/article/digital/tweetdeck-deal-means-twitter/227746/
Why did Twitter buy TweetDeck? Essentially, to keep the Twitterati that use the app happy and in the fold but, more important, to deliver more ad impressions to a bigger part of the Twitter audience.
"Since TweetDeck users rarely visit the Twitter.com website, they don't see Twitter's advertising, and that's a big hole that needs to be filled," said eMarketer analyst Debra Williamson.
Twitter especially wanted to keep those elite power users out of the hands of Bill Gross' UberMedia, a company that develops third-party Twitter products that was in talks to buy TweetDeck before that deal fell apart. Mr. Gross' company, which had purchased Twitter client Echofon in January, was sanctioned by Twitter last year for serving its own ads on Twitter content.
It only makes sense that third-party services wanted to start making money off Twitter's content, and it also makes sense that Twitter would put a stop to it, gaining control of an unruly ecosystem that includes more than 600,000 developers and close to 1 million apps.
TweetDeck, based in London, is the most popular third-party Twitter monitoring tool, with a 13.1% market share, ranking behind only Twitter's own solutions, according to social media monitoring company Sysomos.
The Hottest Trend in E-commerce? M&A
http://adage.com/article/digital/hottest-trend-e-commerce-mergers-acquisitions/227807/
Still, mobile has sidled up to the in-store experience as a shopping aid or way for customers to find products or services in proximity. That's why *eBay snapped up barcode-scanning app Red Laser, after consumers flocked to the app to price-compare in stores. Then eBay scooped up location-based service Where, which helps consumers find the products and services closest to where they're standing. Groupon, which popularized daily group deals, has also begun making moves toward a mobile app. After acquiring mobile developer Mob.ly last year, it's since launched Groupon Now. The app helps consumers find activities or meals in an instant when they, say, walk out the door of their office, looking for a lunch spot. Groupon has also purchased an early Foursquare competitor, Whrrl, to layer customer loyalty into its mobile services.
Still, mobile has sidled up to the in-store experience as a shopping aid or way for customers to find products or services in proximity. That's why *eBay snapped up barcode-scanning app Red Laser, after consumers flocked to the app to price-compare in stores. Then eBay scooped up location-based service Where, which helps consumers find the products and services closest to where they're standing. Groupon, which popularized daily group deals, has also begun making moves toward a mobile app. After acquiring mobile developer Mob.ly last year, it's since launched Groupon Now. The app helps consumers find activities or meals in an instant when they, say, walk out the door of their office, looking for a lunch spot. Groupon has also purchased an early Foursquare competitor, Whrrl, to layer customer loyalty into its mobile services.
NFL Lockout Threatens In-store Promos for Pepsi, Mars, P&G and More
http://adage.com/article/news/nfl-lockout-threatens-pepsi-mars-p-g-s-store-marketing/227830/
After spending millions in advance on multibrand, in-store promotional deals with the National Football League, Procter & Gamble, Mars and PepsiCo, among others, now find themselves faced with the possibility of a truncated season that could do more damage to their plans and brands than those of the networks and TV buyers.
Networks can schedule alternate programming and marketers can apply media analytics to follow their target audiences wherever they go when they're not watching NFL football. But shopper-marketing events have calendars set a year or more in advance. Product has to be produced and displays have to be filled, regardless of whether games get played.
After spending millions in advance on multibrand, in-store promotional deals with the National Football League, Procter & Gamble, Mars and PepsiCo, among others, now find themselves faced with the possibility of a truncated season that could do more damage to their plans and brands than those of the networks and TV buyers.
Networks can schedule alternate programming and marketers can apply media analytics to follow their target audiences wherever they go when they're not watching NFL football. But shopper-marketing events have calendars set a year or more in advance. Product has to be produced and displays have to be filled, regardless of whether games get played.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Mind Games: Nielsen Acquiring Brain Prober, Thwarts WPP Bid
http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=150884
Nielsen Co. has agreed to acquire NeuroFocus, one of the leading companies applying neuroscience to advertising, media and brand research, MediaDailyNews has learned. The deal, which is expected to be announced soon, follows a bid by WPP Group, the largest advertising and media services company in the world, and an arch rival to Nielsen in marketing and media research.
The acquisition is interesting for a variety of reasons, especially the fact that neuromarketing research is getting very hot among some big marketers and agencies, and NeuroFocus has been one of the most aggressive and visible players in the field, announcing a new technology it claims can literally read people's minds.
The technology, which is actually called Mynd, utilizes a lightweight cap that can read and interpret the electrical signals emitted by human brains with a degree of fidelity that NeuroFocus' Pradeep claims is "medical grade," and could one-day be used by paralyzed people to control machines and other technology simply by thinking about it.
Nielsen Co. has agreed to acquire NeuroFocus, one of the leading companies applying neuroscience to advertising, media and brand research, MediaDailyNews has learned. The deal, which is expected to be announced soon, follows a bid by WPP Group, the largest advertising and media services company in the world, and an arch rival to Nielsen in marketing and media research.
The acquisition is interesting for a variety of reasons, especially the fact that neuromarketing research is getting very hot among some big marketers and agencies, and NeuroFocus has been one of the most aggressive and visible players in the field, announcing a new technology it claims can literally read people's minds.
The technology, which is actually called Mynd, utilizes a lightweight cap that can read and interpret the electrical signals emitted by human brains with a degree of fidelity that NeuroFocus' Pradeep claims is "medical grade," and could one-day be used by paralyzed people to control machines and other technology simply by thinking about it.
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