Dods Buys Stake in Social Media Analyst Social360

UK political information provider Dods Group has acquired a 30% stake in social media monitoring and analysis services provider Social360, for £1.65m in cash.

Founded in 2009 by a group of communications professionals, London-based Social360 offers proprietary technology to help clients find and categorise relevant online conversations. This is combined with the experience and insights of its communications professionals to deliver targeted daily reports.

Following the transaction, the group will be launching 'Dods Social Intelligence', while developing further products to complement the combined offering. Dods also has the option to purchase the remainder of Social360's shares between 24 and 36 months from completion, at a valuation based on current EBITDA. Ryszard Bublik (pictured), CEO of Social360 says the partnership will see his firm become the engine behind Dod's social media monitoring offering, while enabling Social360 to invest in its core technology and new products and markets.

Cheryl Jones, Chairman of Dods, adds: 'We are delighted to welcome the Social360 team, led by co-founders Ryszard Bublik and CTO Robert Herridge, both of whom have a clear and strong vision for the delivery of social media monitoring and analysis. Their vision for their company's core capabilities and international reach is in keeping with the trends and changing market requirements seen by the Board of Dods'.

Web sites: www.dodsgroup.com and www.social360monitoring.com .