Dentsu Aegis Buys Major Stake in Merkle

Marcoms group Dentsu Aegis Network is to acquire a majority stake in data-driven consumer insights and analytics specialist Merkle, replacing previous investor Technology Crossover Ventures (TCV) and other shareholders. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

Merkle offers a wide range of services, including data and analytics, marketing technology, digital agency services and consulting. The firm has more than 3,400 employees based at its headquarters in Columbia, Maryland and sixteen additional offices in the US and offices in Barcelona, Bristol, London, Shanghai, and Nanjing; and the firm generated $436m of revenues in 2015, an increase of 14% on 2014.

Through the deal, management and employees retain a 'significant' minority interest in the company. Commenting on the deal, Merkle's founder David Williams (pictured) said: 'As we considered a new investment partner, we sought a fit that would complement our vision, escalate our brand, and provide growth opportunities for our people, while also valuing Merkle's unique strengths and culture. Becoming a part of Dentsu Aegis Network further strengthens our position and allows us to accelerate our goal of being a world-class global performance marketing agency.'

Web sites: www.dentsuaegisnetwork.com and www.merkleinc.com .