Publicis Groupe has announced the acquisition of Performics, a Google search marketing business. The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of the third quarter.
Performics will be integrated into Publicis’s VivaKi Nerve Center, a strategic entity that was launched last June. VivaKi Nerve Center leverages Digitas, Starcom-MediaVest, Denuo and Zenith-Optimedia to “develop new services, tools and partnerships, including new and emerging performance marketing platforms,” according to a company statement.
“The acquisition of Performics will position the Groupe for significant growth by delivering a broad portfolio of clients into our operations,” said Maurice Levy, chairman and CEO of Publicis, in the statement. “Not only will this acquisition bring critical mass to Publicis Groupe’s formidable search capabilities, but it will also enhance our affiliate marketing and overall performance marketing offering.”
Headquartered in Chicago and employing almost 200 “search marketing specialists,” Performics also has employees in San Francisco, New York, London, Hamburg, Sydney, Singapore and Beijing. Performics executives will report to Curt Hecht, president of VivaKi Nerve Center, according to the statement.
From the September 01, 2008 Issue of MM+M - Medical Marketing and Media