Hakuhodo HY Holdings’ strategic operating unit kyu Collective acquired a majority stake in independent digital marketing agency Kepler Group.
The kyu Collective also includes Sid Lee, IDEO, Red Peak Group, Digital Kitchen, SYPartners and others.
“Kepler continues to be one of the fastest growing digital marketing services companies because the company exemplifies the future of scientific marketing,” kuy CEO Michael Birkin (pictured right) said in a statement. “They are a great addition to The kyu Collective of member companies who represent the future in their domain: one of a kind, disruptive, and forward-thinking.”
“Kepler’s role is to be the activation engine for smarter marketing. We’re at our best when we have a better understanding of what motivates people. We use data science to build higher quality models and algorithms, and we deliver maximum results when able to collaborate with forward thinking creative partners,” Kepler founding CEO Rick Greenberg (pictured left) added. “Kyu’s portfolio companies are leaders in each of these areas. Together we can offer clients everything they need to achieve success in today’s more personalized, tech-driven marketing environment.”
Kepler Group handles around $300 million in media spend and works with clients including American Express, J. Crew, Bed Bath & Beyond and 1-800 Contacts. The agency also has its own software platform, Kepler Intelligence Platform, which “integrates and customizes target data to deliver highly personal marketing across multiple platforms and channels,” according to a press release and it recently launched a proprietary campaign platform with Alexa and Slack.
“Kepler is more than just another agency capable of using data to optimize results. They deliver timely value and targeted impact in a nimble fashion, and I admire their approach,” J. Crew CEO James Brett said in statement.
With the acquisition Kepler will have access Hakuhodo DY Holdings Inc. resources, which include investments in next-generation media, in addition to being part of the kyu Collective.