Jellyfish, a digital partner to some of the world’s leading brands, is continuing its global expansion following investment from French group Fimalac, which is owned by Marc Ladreit de Lacharrière.
The deal will see data-driven specialist Tradelab (part of Fimalac Group), a leading programmatic buyer in Europe and a web analytics and optimization expert, integrated into Jellyfish. Comprised of 300 global experts, Tradelab boasts 120 specialists dedicated to technology, innovation and development alone, and is a Google Marketing Partner.
Together, Jellyfish and Tradelab are giving birth to a new kind of global business partner. In addition to Jellyfish’s integrated offering, which blends data, creative and media buying, Tradelab’s cutting-edge technologies will enhance the company’s value proposition across Google's platforms, unleashing their full potential for brands across the world.
As well as raising the business’ headcount from 780 to nearly 1100, the expansion will give Jellyfish a presence in new markets including France, Germany, Italy and Brazil, bringing the total number of offices to 30.
The deal will put the value of the new combined entity at $647M with the ambition to be a multi-billion market cap company. Further planned expansion in Australia, South East Asia, Latin America and Africa will ensure Jellyfish is well placed to be the first choice global partner for any brand’s digital requirements. The business aims to differentiate itself with a globally unified and collaborative culture that results in better outcomes for clients.
Launched in 2005, Jellyfish has achieved 45 percent compound annual growth over the last eight years and has grown to become one of a select few globally managed Google Marketing Partners. In the last 12 months alone, the business opened six new offices, and established itself in new territories including APAC, the Nordics and the Middle East.
Jellyfish will continue to be led by co-founder and CEO Rob Pierre, CFO Chris Lee and its global leadership team. Yohann Dupasquier, CEO and founder of Tradelab will join the Jellyfish board.
Marc Ladreit de Lacharrière says : “Fimalac’s build up strategy has proven highly successful in creating global leaders in financial ratings, and digital media and production fields. Today I am very proud to help Jellyfish and Tradelab join forces to build a new global leader with a unique set of expertise and talents, helping brands navigate technology and data.”
Rob Pierre, CEO of Jellyfish comments: “Today’s brands need digital partners who are able to offer capabilities that go beyond the traditional agency model. Building a digital business that is fit for the 21st century means adding technology, consultancy and training to agency services, and on top of this, delivering them at scale.
Pierre added: “The synergies we felt with Tradelab and the shared goal of building a world-leading digital offering, made this an ideal fit for our business. The investment and subsequent expansion will enable us to continue building our global footprint as we bring the Jellyfish brand to all four corners of the world. As we head towards 15 years in business, this deal marks the beginning of an exciting new phase in the Jellyfish story. As one chapter ends, another begins and I for one can’t wait to get started.”
Yohann Dupasquier, CEO of Tradelab adds: “Data is everywhere and users rightfully want more control over the relationships they have with brands. We’re thrilled to scale our technology and data-by-design approach with Jellyfish. It is essential for us to help brands through this revolution and take a scientific approach to making them relevant everywhere in the world.”
Jellyfish and its shareholders were advised on the transaction by technology investment bank GP Bullhound.
About Jellyfish
Jellyfish is a digital partner to some of the world's leading brands including Uber, Ebay, Disney, Spotify, Nestlé, Ford, Aviva and ASOS, acting either as a consultancy, agency, training or technology partner.
Jellyfish began life as a start-up in the UK in 2005 and has since grown to become Google's leading global partner. The business now employs more than 750 people across 23 offices, with headquarters at The Shard in London.
Growing at an average of 45% per annum consistently over the last five years, Jellyfish is proud to be at the forefront of the global digital economy.
About Tradelab
Tradelab is a data-driven marketing partner supporting brands in their decision-making through intelligent and integrated use of their data on all activation levers.
By increasing the value of stacks through technology, data and expertise, Tradelab helps Marketers to take back control of their Marketing efforts.
Founded in 2011 with a strong technological DNA, Tradelab has a global presence with 300 experts in 5 countries and has won 38 awards for its innovative data-driven solutions.
More on www.tradelab.com
Twitter : @Tradelab_RTB
LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/tradelabsolutions
About Fimalac
Created in 1991, Fimalac is a French holding company solely owned by its founder Marc Ladreit de Lacharrière. It operates in five business areas : capital investment through a minority interest in Warburg Pincus, digital media and production through Webedia, live stage entertainment through Fimalac Entertainment, the luxury hotel industry through Groupe Barrière, and real estate with office buildings in Paris, London and New York. As of December 31st 2018, Fimalac's net assets amounted to € 4.2 billion.
