Internet Media Services acquires majority stake in Httpool
Sony Pictures-owned firm Internet Media Services is set to acquire a majority stake in cross-channel ad network Httpool, pending regulatory approval. The deal would result in an agency boasting more than 6,000 international agencies and brands, with clients including Twitter, Spotify and LinkedIn. Andy Kaplan, president of worldwide networks at Sony Pictures Television, said that the acquisition would create a "one-stop solution for advertisers across many of the world’s fastest-growing emerging markets".

Internet Media Services (IMS), a subsidiary of Sony Pictures Television Networks, would acquire a majority stake in Httpool, a cross-channel ad network with a presence in Central and Eastern Europe and Asia.Subject to regulatory approval, the deal will create a digital marketing and ad sales company with a combined operation supporting more than 6,000 agencies and brands worldwide, and exclusively representing Twitter, LinkedIn, Spotify and more than 5,000 global and local publishers across 30 countries in Latin America, Central and Eastern Europe, and the Asia Pacific regions.In Hong Kong, the firm is led by Charlene Ree (right) and Angie Chung. Revenue for Httpool Asia is ranked second globally in the group, the company said. The closing acquisition is a global Httpool action that Httpool Asia, based in Hong Kong, played a critical role in.Established in 2009, the Httpool Asia completes some 1,500 campaigns annually, which amounts to working with on average 200 brands annually.Httpool Asia clients include Sun Hung Kai, AXA, Standard Chartered, Lenovo, Hong Kong Tourism Board and Fortress."Bringing together IMS and Httpool will create a one-stop solution for advertisers launching local or international campaigns, as well as networks and publishers looking to monetise content across many of the world's fastest-growing emerging markets," said Andy Kaplan, president, worldwide networks, Sony Pictures Television."IMS and Httpool share the same vision, so we couldn't imagine a more appropriate partner. This deal represents a major milestone for Httpool and an important recognition for all our past achievements. Teaming with IMS will fuel our increasing growth, and enable us to expand our proprietary solutions on a global scale," said Aljosa Jenko, CEO and founder of Httpool.Httpool Asia managing director Angie Chung and managing partner Charlene Ree said: "We welcome the news of the IMS majority stake acquisition of Httpool and we expect that this development will see new business avenues come to fruition for our business in Asia."