Publicis Acquires Social Media Specialist Net@lk

Global ad network Publicis has acquired Chinese social media firm Net@lk, which offers a tool called Buzzreader to monitor, research and analyse most Chinese social media platforms. While terms were not disclosed, Publicis said the deal is part of a five-year $4 billion acquisition spree.

Founded in 2007, Net@lk helps companies and brands implement social media strategies through four business divisions: Net@lk and Simone, which provide social media services; Lenx, a social content producer; and Buzzreader. The firm currently employs 350 staff in six offices in Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, Hefei, Xiamen and Nanjing.

Following the acquisition, Net@lk and Lenx will be combined with Publicis digital arm DigitasLBi. Simone will be merged with the social media division of Razorfish, and Buzzreader will be aligned with Publicis' digital intelligence network VivaKi.

Net@lk CEO Lamy Zhang will lead the newly merged DigitasLBi Net@lk operation, reporting to Roy Capon, CEO of DigitasLBi APAC.

Vincent Digonnet (pictured), Executive Chairman of Publicis agencies Razorfish and DigitasLBi networks in APAC, comments: 'We are committed to grow our digital marketing capabilities in China on the dual strategic pillars of ecommerce and social media. The acquisition of Net@lk completes our two-pronged strategy making DigitasLBi the leading socially-led digital marketing network in China.'

Web site: www.publicisgroupe.com .