Merkle Acquires RKG To Bolster Digital Agency Services
- Written by Brian Anderson
- Published in News Briefs
This marks the second digital agency acquisition Merkle has completed in 2014, putting the agency on a promising path for the rest of the year. Between 2012 and 2013, Merkle experienced a net revenue increase of 43%.
This year, media billings for the combined agency are expected to reach more than $500 million.
With the purchase, Merkle will add 220 RKG team members to its Digital Agency Group. As a result, total employee count will reach more than 2,400 people, an all-time high for Merkle.
Merkle was interested in RKG’s digital marketing talent, its service-oriented approach, and digital media capabilities to craft successful pay-per-click, SEO, display and social campaigns. Additionally, RKG’s traction in retail and other key markets complemented Merkle’s business goals and areas of focus.
“We were honored to be approached by another high-growth, independent agency,” said George Gallate, CEO of RKG, regarding the acquisition. “Merkle is a proven leader in creating customer experiences that drive outstanding marketing performance in addressable media, and we’re proud to join its ranks. Our two companies also share a similar energy and passion for success, which are the makings of a perfect cultural fit.”