Ebiquity Buys Majority Stake in Russian Media Patner JUMC

UK-based media and marketing analytics firm Ebiquity has acquired a 50.1% stake in its Russian media practice partner, The Joined Up Media Company (JUMC), in a deal worth up to £1.2m.

Founded in 1997, North Tyneside-based Ebiquity - formerly Thomson Intermedia - offers media auditing, marketing effectiveness, competitive ad monitoring and news monitoring services.

Last month, the firm acquired TCRG Holdings Limited, the parent company of reputation specialist Echo Research, in a deal worth an initial £3.5m.

Its latest acquisition of JUMC involves an initial £356,000 upfront payment, with the balance settled over three years, depending on specific criteria being met.

The transaction also gives Ebiquity a majority stake in JUMC's Russian company, which is a joint venture with The Decision Group, founded and led by former MindShare Russia CEO Vladimir Rass.

JUMC's services include media auditing, spot monitoring, continuous improvement monitoring and pitch consultancy, and as part of the deal, founder Glyn Harper (pictured), Rass, and their teams will be joining Ebiquity.

'To acquire a majority stake in a company that is recognised locally as the market leader is a real bonus for Ebiquity,' commented CEO Michael Greenless. 'It is in line with our strategy to deliver a truly global suite of services and products.'

Web sites: www.ebiquity.com and www.joinedupmedia.com .