ARMONK, N.Y., Feb. 2, 2016
/PRNewswire/ -- IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced it has signed
a definitive agreement to acquire Aperto – a digital agency with
headquarters in Berlin. Upon
completion of this transaction, Aperto will to join the IBM
Interactive Experience (IBM iX) team, supporting IBM's growth in
the largest economy in Europe.
Aperto's 300-plus employees will continue to serve its roster of
clients, which currently includes companies such as Airbus Group,
Volkswagen and Siemens.
IBM iX is the largest global digital agency Ad Age Agency Report
–2014 & 2015, providing clients a unique fusion of services
spanning strategy, analytics and systems integration for scalable
digital, commerce, mobile and wearable platforms –including
consumer apps for the Apple Watch. Its consultants co-create
solutions for clients, including Nationwide, Jaguar's Landrover,
Citi and Wimbledon, in its 25 global IBM Studios.
"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, IBM
Interactive Experience. "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."
"We pride ourselves on remaining at the forefront of the digital
revolution. After 20 years in the industry, we're proud to join
forces with IBM iX, the largest global digital agency, to continue
doing just that," said Dirk
Buddensiek, CEO, Aperto. "Between the talent sitting within
the iX team, and IBM's transformative work in the cognitive space,
as well as leadership in cloud, mobile and analytics, this
opportunity will open many doors for both our team and
clients."
IBM has identified a critical and growing need for digital,
strategy and design skills at the leading edge of business
strategy. Demand for experience design is expected to accelerate as
clients in all industries seek to deliver more consumer-like
experiences to their customers and employees, and integrate the
power of cognitive computing and analytics platforms.
This is IBM's second creative and digital agency acquisition in
a matter of days. It follows Thursday's announcement of IBM's
intent to acquire US-based agency Resource/Ammirati, and
demonstrates continued investment in Germany. In December
2015 IBM launched its global headquarters for the Watson
Internet of Things (IoT) unit in Munich.
The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of
2016 and is subject to applicable regulatory review and customary
closing conditions. Financial details were not disclosed.
For more information on IBM Interactive Experience, visit
www.ibm.com/ibmix.
Follow IBM Interactive Experience @ibminteractive on
Twitter.
Suzanne Aronowitz
IBM Media Relations
1 (617) 693-1811
saronowi@us.ibm.com
Hans-Juergen Rehm
IBM Media Relations, Germany
Mob: +49-171-5566940
hansrehm@de.ibm.com
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SOURCE IBM