WPP Group PLC’s Wunderman direct marketing agency bought Zaaz, an interactive shop with clients like Microsoft, Converse, Helio, E*Trade, Qwest and Alcoa.
Zaaz offers Web strategy, design, development, user experience, online analytics, and search marketing and optimization services. Terms of the sale were not disclosed.
“It’s mostly adding bulk and additional muscle capability to what we already have,” said Daniel Morel, chairman/CEO of Wunderman, New York.
This acquisition strengthens Wunderman’s global digital network, which includes interactive agency VML and database marketing services firms KnowledgeBase Marketing and Fortelligent. Wunderman also has a customer relationship marketing specialist, RTCRM.
Founded in 1998, Zaaz has more than 70 employees in its Seattle headquarters and offices in Washington and Portland, OR. All keep their jobs, including CEO Shane Atchison and chief operating officer Dave Brede.
Zaaz keeps its identity like all other Wunderman properties. Wunderman is part of British agency conglomerate WPP’s Young & Rubicam Brands, with 4,200-plus employees in offices worldwide.
The Zaaz portfolio includes clients like Blockbuster, Expedia, Reuters, Faconnable and National Geographic. The agency shares Microsoft and Expedia with Wunderman and its units.
Zaaz’s focus on Web design and online analytics was a key attraction for Wunderman.
“If you’re a direct marketer and thinking about the best possible tool, it’s the Internet,” Mr. Morel said. “It’s customizable; it’s targeted; it’s immediate.”
