Cincinnati Ohio Economic Development

Rockfish Interactive bought by WPP Digital

Business Courier
WPP Digital, an investment arm of one of the world’s largest advertising agencies, has agreed to acquire Rockfish Interactive Corp., an Arkansas-based agency with a growing Cincinnati presence.

The acquisition, announced to Rockfish employees Friday morning, would make Rockfish the eighth local marketing organization to be acquired by WPP, a London-based conglomerate with $15 billion in annual revenue. Others include Possible Worldwide, Landor Associates and Lightspeed Research, according to WPP’s website.

“The decision to join WPP’s family of agencies came after a very thorough and thoughtful evaluation of many options, including remaining independent,” wrote Rockfish Founder and CEO Kenny Tomlin, in a note to employees. “What I thought would be a difficult decision was actually very easy as I learned more about WPP, their enthusiasm for Rockfish and most importantly their commitment to our future.”

Rockfish is a rapidly growing digital advertising agency with a client roster including Wal-Mart Stores Inc. , Procter & Gamble Co. and Tyson Foods Inc. Its Cincinnati office at the foot of Mount Adams is led by a former P&G executive, Dave Knox, with aggressive growth plans that include hiring 75 new employees by 2013.

Reached by email Friday morning, Knox said the deal “means nothing but good things for Cincinnati and has no impact on hiring plans”

Tomlin’s note to employees said the deal was finalized Thursday evening. A press release said the transaction is subject to approvals by regulators and Rockfish shareholders. The acquisition price was not disclosed.

Read the Business Courier article here.