LEWIS PR, the global communications agency, has announced it is acquiring UK-based digital marketing agency, Purestone, in an all-cash transaction. The move quadruples the size of the agency’s London-based digital team and expands its skillset to include e-commerce, email, mobile and app development, as well as bolstering its social, SEO and web production services.
The deal creates a 25-plus strong digital team in London, servicing both UK and global clients. It enables LEWIS to meet growing demand among clients for sophisticated integrated campaigns. Purestone will add analytics, audience mapping and robust technical capabilities, extending LEWIS’ ability to execute impactful creative campaigns across web, mobile and social channels. Combined with LEWIS’ award-winning international PR, communications, social media and digital marketing services offering, this creates a unique full service digital marketing proposition.
Founded by Simon Butler, head of client services, and James Smee, strategy and planning director, Purestone has worked for clients including adidas, ASOS, UK Mail, PayPal, Freshfields, Royal Bank of Scotland, and Towers Watson. Purestone will continue to operate independently and will benefit from global reach as a part of LEWIS Pulse.
Following the plans announced last year, LEWIS Pulse plans to continue its expansion throughout Europe and Asia. LEWIS Pulse already has hubs in Barcelona, Boston, Eindhoven, London, San Francisco and Singapore and is led globally by Stephen Corsi, SVP.
“The acquisition of Purestone takes LEWIS to the next level in terms of our digital marketing capabilities. The addition of an award-winning agency like Purestone is incredibly exciting for our clients as they look for tighter integration between digital, social, content and PR,” said Giles Peddy, Group Managing Director, UK, LEWIS PR.
Simon Butler, co-founder of Purestone, said, “Since 2005 we have built an agency that works for some of the biggest and best brands across both B2B and B2C. Our clients were asking for more content, social and international capabilities, and so the vision and independence of LEWIS was exactly the right fit to help us achieve our ambitions to grow the business. Combined we will have a truly compelling and unique offering. One that I think will excite our respective client bases.”
Chris Lewis, CEO of LEWIS PR said, “As an independent we have the ability to act quickly. We invest in expanding our skillsets to satisfy client demand. This acquisition is another step in that direction. It underpins our strategy to become a global top 20 full service communications agency.”
LEWIS PR is a global PR and digital communications agency. In addition to traditional media and analyst relations, LEWIS specialises in social media, digital marketing and creative services. It works with companies to implement integrated communications programs on an international scale. LEWIS works with leading and emerging brands across multiple sectors, including automotive, consumer, government, healthcare, insurance, legal, non-profit, technology and telecom. LEWIS has 25 wholly-owned offices across the US, EMEA and Asia Pacific, with regional headquarters in London, San Francisco and Singapore.
Purestone is a digital agency specialised in working with forward thinking B2B & B2C brands. We operate at the heart of the changes taking place within marketing – bringing brand experiences to life in the digital world.Through our team of highly experienced client side marketers and digital practitioners we deliver game changing strategies, projects and return on investment for our wide ranging client base.
Purestone were advised by M&A Advisory