Big Blue is further ramping up efforts to provide digital marketing services, acquiring a German firm that represents high-profile clients such as Airbus, Volkswagen and Siemens. Last week, IBM made its first digital agency deal, buying an Ohio-based company.
IBM early Tuesday disclosed it is acquiring Aperto, a 300-plus employee agency. Financial terms weren’t disclosed.
Last week, IBM bought U.S.-based agency Resource/Ammirati.
IBM is looking to interactive services as a revenue stream that might help end a long streak of quarters in which it has reported declining revenue. Its most recent earnings report stretched that streak to 15.
The two digital firms become part of IBM Interactive Experience, or IBM iX. That group was ranked as the largest global digital-focused agency by Ad Age in 2014 and 2015. Existing clients include Citi, Wimbledon and also develops apps for Apple Watch.
“IBM iX is a global market leader in experience design, which is emerging as an essential element in all business strategy,” said Paul Papas, global leader of IBM Interactive Experience, in a statement.
“We’re honored to be joining forces with Aperto and look forward to reshaping the future of business and digital innovation with our clients in Germany and beyond.”
The purchase reflects a growing commitment by IBM in Germany where the tech giant recently announced it will based the headquarters for its Watson Internet of Things unit.
IBM employs several thousand people across North Carolina.
Read more at:
http://www-935.ibm.com/services/us/business-consulting/interactiveexperience/
