Vocus / Cision Combo Buys Visible Technologies

In the US, recently merged PR software providers Vocus and Cision have acquired social media listening and engagement software specialist Visible Technologies. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Visible Technologies' patented 'Visible Intelligence' platform provides real-time consumer insights gathered from social media. Last month, the company launched a set of tools which pinpoint specific locations and language segments for marketers wanting to target social media content, and enable them to distinguish between who is 'local' in discussions and who is 'visiting'.

Vocus and Cision, which were recently merged by private equity firm GTCR, will integrate Visible Technologies' social intelligence SaaS platform and insights expertise with their own PR tools, to create a solution for tracking and analysing earned, owned and paid media.

Vocus CEO Peter Granat (pictured) comments: 'We're building the ultimate PR tool, and Visible Technologies is a key element, while adding the Visible team and technology allows us to more effectively measure social impact and turn insights into action. As this acquisition shows, we are committed to continued investment in and enhancing our platform, content tools and analysts to move the PR and marketing communication industry forward.'

Web sites: www.vocus.com , www.cision.com and www.visibletechnologies.com .