We are pleased to announce that Acceleration has entered into an agreement to be part of the WPP Digital Group as of 23rd July 2012.

This marks an exciting new chapter in Acceleration's evolution. We will operate as an independent and standalone unit within the group. In WPP Digital we found a group that shares our passion for the transformative powers of technology in marketing. They are as excited as we are about providing an innovative set of solutions and world-class services around data and technology for our clients.

"With the continued transformation of marketing by technology, there's a growing demand for digital marketing technologists to help publishers and, increasingly, marketers manage and integrate the various specialist software tools available in areas such as analytics, ad serving, digital asset management and optimisation.  We expect Acceleration to bring these skills to bear on WPP's clients as they already do with many of the leading marketing organisations" said Mark Read, CEO of WPP Digital.

“It is our belief that the strategic management of digital technologies is integral to the future of marketing as a discipline and any company’s competitive advantage. WPP Digital’s investment in Acceleration serves as a confirmation of this new reality. We look forward to building an innovative partnership,” said Jacques van Niekerk, Acceleration CEO.

Just 9 percent of more than 200 global marketers, surveyed by the CMO Council in its "Integrate to Accelerate Digital Marketing Effectiveness" study, say they have a highly evolved digital marketing model with a proven and clear path of evolution. This compares to 36 percent who report a random embrace of marketing point solutions that are not well integrated or unified. Clearly this is a market wide challenge, something that Acceleration is actively solving.

“It’s already challenging enough to connect and engage with audiences and customers, but if you do not have the appropriate strategies, technologies and  processes in place you will not be able to leverage the data required to excel in a world where customers are digitally empowered.” commented Stephan Pretorius, President, Acceleration.

About WPP Digital

WPP Digital is the digital arm of WPP, the global communications services company. Its remit is to act as a catalyst for change within the Group in the digital media space. Its prime goal is to champion new digital agencies and services, common technologies and new media innovations and to stimulate, support and enhance existing Group company activities in this area. Activities include identifying acquisitions/partnerships/investments, funding start-ups, establishing training programs and instigating cross-Group integration through the WPP Digital Advisory Board. For further information, please visit www.wpp.com

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