ARMONK, N.Y., Feb. 3, 2016
/PRNewswire/ -- IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced it has signed
a definitive agreement to acquire ecx.io -- a full-service digital
agency headquartered in Dusseldorf,
Germany. The proposed acquisition of ecx.io extends the
strategy and design expertise of IBM Interactive Experience (IBM
iX) with new digital marketing, commerce and platform skills to
accelerate clients' digital transformations.
ecx.io is a leading digital agency in Europe and one of the few specialized in
implementation services across three of the leading commerce and
customer platform software providers: Adobe, Sitecore, and SAP
hybris. The hybris capability deepens IBM's longstanding
relationship with SAP, and brings the value of design thinking to
the companies' expansion in e-commerce.
Upon close of this transaction, ecx.io will bring 200 employees
specialized in designing and implementing commerce and digital
marketing services and platforms to IBM iX. Clients will benefit
from this range of capabilities, combined with the strategy,
analytics, cloud and cognitive depth of IBM.
"The customer experience has become a new priority in modern
business strategy," said Paul Papas,
Global Leader, IBM Interactive Experience. "Together with ecx.io's
distinct expertise, we're raising the bar for experience-led,
digital marketing and commerce."
ecx.io will continue to serve its roster of clients, including
Axalta, SPAR, Hammer and JAB Anstoetz, from existing locations in
Dusseldorf, Bracknell/London, Munich, Wels, Varaždin, Vienna and Zurich.
"For the last 20 years, we've fostered an open, agile and
collaborative culture with a dedication to quality and innovation,"
said Christoph Mause, CCO and
co-founder, ecx.io. "Joining forces with IBM iX will provide us
with a global network of talent with expertise in strategy,
analytics, cognitive computing and innovation that will not only
compliment our services offerings, but allow them to become more
personalized. Together with iX, we will continue to provide clients
with superior services and platforms for exceptional customer
engagement and experiences."
The acquisition of ecx.io is the latest strategic move in a
rapid-fire series of investments in the design and experience
prowess of IBM iX. In the last week, iX announced its intent to
acquire Resource/Ammirati, a US-based digital marketing and
creative agency, and Aperto, a digital agency with headquarters in
Berlin.
Today's 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.
IBM iX is a next-generation services organization dedicated to
creating personalized experiences. Services span industry strategy,
creative and design, to scalable digital, commerce, mobile and
wearable platforms. iX specialists work side-by-side with clients
including Citi, Nationwide and Wimbledon to co-create experiences that drive
business results.
With the opening of new studios in Prague, Warsaw and Dubai, IBM will have the geographic reach of
more than 25 studios. For the second consecutive year,
Advertising Age named IBM iX the largest global digital
agency in its Agency Report for 2015
For more information on IBM Interactive Experience, visit
ibm.com/ibmix
Follow IBM Interactive Experience @ibminteractive on
Twitter.
Suzanne Aronowitz
IBM Media Relations
1 (617) 693-1811
saronowi@us.ibm.com
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SOURCE IBM