The Publicis Groupe has announced yet another new acquisition, this time in the shape of Nurun, the global technology consultancy based in Montreal, Canada. Publicis acquired the company for 125 million Canadian dollars from Quebecor, who said they were selling their global design and technology consultancy subsidiary to focus their efforts on its core operations in the telecommunications and media industries. The company is currently deciding whether or not to take the wireless business operated by its Videotron division national, but the sale of Nurun leads one to believe this is now quite a likely prospect. It's worth noting that Quebecor owned 58% of the company before taking it private in 2008 after a failed attempt to buy out minority shareholders the year before.
Publicis acquired the company for 125 million Canadian dollars from Quebecor, who are focusing their efforts on their core operations in the telecommunications and media industries
Nurun is one of the world's leading independent digital networks, and has been bringing together human insight and new technology and “Helping business thrive in a connected world” since it was founded in 2000. Nurun has spent the ensuing 14 years growing its revenues and margins while strategically expanding its global footprint and capabilities, whilst working with high-profile brands such as Adidas, L'Oreal and Google. Nurun is split into two primary areas; Nurun Global and Nurun IT. Nurun Global provides digital communications services, whereas Nurun IT provides IT outsourcing and system integration services primarily to the Quebec Provincial Government. The company has 11 offices and over 1000 employees worldwide and specialises in design research, digital products, service design, transactional platforms and user interfaces. According to the press release, the agency will continue to operate under its existing management team with Jacques-Hervé Roubert as President and CEO.
Maurice Levy
Maurice Levy, chairman and CEO of the Publicis Groupe believes that "The acquisition of Nurun is another step forward” in strengthening the group's “World-class digital operations,” and their position as “The Human Digital Agency." He says the Canadian company's expertise in design and new technologies, will bring clients “Not only bring widely-recognised talent and capabilities,” but will also strengthen the group's global digital presence. He says “The quality of the work delivered, the innovative solutions developed by Nurun and its talent pool made Nurun an obvious candidate to complement Publicis' portfolio of digital assets."
Nurun's expertise will bring clients “Not only bring widely-recognised talent and capabilities,” but will also strengthen the group's global digital presence
Quebecor chief executive Pierre Dion said they decided to sell Nurun, which he simple called “a consulting firm specialising in digital innovation, design and technology,” because its “Operations no longer fit” with the company's “Core businesses.” Jacques-Hervé Roubert, Nurun's founder and CEO, doesn't seem to begrudge their old owners, however, indeed, he seems to be relishing the move. He praised Publicis as “A leader in digital communications,” and said he feel's “Nurun's growing business will benefit from being a part of it.” He is looking forward to joining Publicis and developing their practice to “Better serve clients and continue to pioneer digital expertise."
Official Publicis Groupe Website
Benjamin Hiorns is a freelance writer and musician from Kidderminster in the UK.
