Drake Star Partners Advises Httpool On Its Sale To Ims Internet Media Services (Ims), A Subsidiary Of Sony Pictures Television Networks

IMS Internet Media Services (IMS), a subsidiary of Sony Pictures Television Networks and one of the largest digital ad sales and media buying companies in Latin America, today announced it has reached an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Httpool, an international cross channel ad network, with a presence in Central and Eastern Europe and Asia. Drake Star Partners has acted as exclusive financial advisor to Httpool in this transaction.

Subject to regulatory approval, the deal will create one of the largest digital marketing and ad sales companies in the industry, with a combined operation supporting more than 6000 agencies and brands worldwide, and exclusively representing Twitter, LinkedIn, Spotify and more than 5000 global and local publishers across 30 countries in Latin America, Central and Eastern Europe, and the Asia Pacific regions.

“This acquisition will enable IMS to develop some of the highest-potential geographies across Europe and Asia, and create a truly global company. IMS and Httpool together can offer an end-to-end solution in digital marketing campaign delivery, helping partners with our deep knowledge of local markets, and empowering local publishers, advertisers and 1000s of digital professionals and entrepreneurs,” said Gastón Taratuta, CEO and founder of IMS.

“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 monetize 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 and its team established an amazing international position, developed complementary ad technologies and share the same entrepreneurial values as IMS. By joining forces, the two groups can make a lasting impact on the broader digital ecosystem through continuous innovation, openness, creativity and partnerships,” Taratuta added.

Drake Star Partner’s Kasper Kruse Petersen added: “We are pleased to have been a part in bringing these two strong companies together. There is no doubt that the combination will provide a strong offering in high growth emerging markets”

Headquartered in Miami, IMS also has offices in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, Chile, Guatemala, Panama, Peru, Ecuador and Uruguay.

Httpool’s 19 offices include India, Hong Kong, Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Kosovo, Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine and Russia.

About IMS

IMS Internet Media Services (IMS), a subsidiary of Sony Pictures Television Networks, is a leading digital communications and marketing company that builds partnerships with rapidly developing businesses seeking to expand their market in Latin America. IMS helps brands reach new levels of attraction and grow in the region through its unique ecosystem of business alliances, creative and content solutions, and media management and investment services. Leading brands like EA, Foursquare, LinkedIn, Spotify, Snapchat, Twitter, Yahoo, Twitch, Vevo and Waze work exclusively with IMS to strengthen its presence in Latin America. IMS is headquartered in Miami and also has offices in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, Chile, Guatemala, Panama, Peru, Ecuador and Uruguay.

For more information, please visit www.imscorporate.com

About Httpool

Httpool is the leading Central and Eastern European cross channel advertising network with presence in Asia and focus on markets outside the United States and Western Europe. Httpool offers the broadest range of ad network products and solutions across display, video, engagement, social and performance channels. Httpool employs the most advanced proprietary and licensed technologies, has extensive international experience and represents Twitter, LinkedIn, Spotify and other selected global and local publishers across its 22 markets, including Austria, Switzerland, Russia, India, Hong Kong, Poland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Croatia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Greece, Hungary, Kosovo, Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Slovakia and Ukraine.

For more information, please visit www.httpool.com