WPP has acquired data collaboration platform InfoSum, which will join GroupM, WPP’s media investment group, to expand its offering of AI-optimized marketing solutions.
InfoSum says its patented technology enables the connection of data sources across the marketing ecosystem without moving or exposing data. With the acquisition, WPP clients will have access to the platform, allowing them to develop new marketing intelligence using their own data, as well as data signals available through the InfoSum network, WPP’s data assets and GroupM’s media intelligence. Clients can design, train and deploy custom AI models that utilize these different data sets.
InfoSum’s global network includes media platforms such as Channel 4, DirecTV, ITV, Netflix, News Corp and Samsung Ads. It also includes major retailers worldwide and five billion identifiers from identity and data partners such as Experian, TransUnion, Circana, Dynata and NCSolutions.
As part of the acquisition, Lauren Wetzel will remain CEO of InfoSum and will assume the additional role of chief solutions officer for GroupM, working cross-functionally to develop data-driven products and solutions for WPP and GroupM clients.
Klick names new head of media
Healthcare marketing and advertising agency Klick Health has promoted EVP and head of media strategy and planning.
Manara, who joined Klick in 2018, has experience in multichannel media strategy and planning, having worked with clients such as Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson and Johnson. Prior to coming to Klick, he spent three years at Mediacom as a director of strategy leading the planning, research and business sciences teams for MediaCom’s North American clients such as Bayer, Merck, Volkswagen, Audi, Starbucks and Shell.
Manara was also director of activation strategy at Trooh, before it was acquired by Rogers Sports & Media from Rouge Media in 2021.
Native Touch acquires digital media solutions company Peloton Media
Canadian ad tech company Native Touch has acquired Toronto-based Peloton Media, which specializes in digital media planning including programmatic advertising, paid search, social media ads, connected TV, digital video, digital audio and DOOH.
By joining Native, Peloton will integrate its platform capabilities with Native Touch’s data, analytics and creative solutions. This fusion, according to the company, extends Native’s proprietary data and creative capabilities across new platforms, while providing agencies with more powerful tools to optimize their campaigns.
“As Canada’s programmatic media landscape grows, projected to reach $17 billion by 2028 with a 20% annual increase, agencies need expert partners to execute seamless campaigns across digital channels,” said the company.
The deal comes after Native’s 2024 acquisition of M32 Connect, a tech firm firm specializing in helping digital publishers and retailers understand, control and monetize their data and Pharmacy Media Network (PMN), a Canadian pharmacy DOOH ad network. That acquisition gave Native exclusive access to PMN’s in-pharmacy DOOH inventory.
