Stagwell continues its expansion strategy by acquiring LEADERS, an Israeli digital agency, and its AI-powered platform InfluencerMarketing.AI (IMAI). 

This marks Stagwell’s seventh acquisition in 2024, signaling a strong push into AI-driven marketing solutions and global market expansion.

The IMAI platform, developed by LEADERS founders Eran Nizri and Yehonatan Arami in 2017, leverages advanced AI to connect brands with a vast network of over 300 million creators worldwide. 

This acquisition adds a significant tool to Stagwell’s arsenal, particularly enhancing its PRophet Comms Tech Suite.

Key features of the IMAI platform include:

1. Rapid campaign launch capabilities
2. Robust analytics and sales prediction models
3. Comprehensive campaign management tools
4. Focus on e-commerce brands for tracking conversions and ROI

The platform’s client base includes major global brands such as Nespresso, Samsung, Coca-Cola, and Estée Lauder.

“This acquisition strengthens our Stagwell Marketing Cloud offering with cutting-edge AI solutions for influencer marketing while marking our first agency in Israel amid a substantial global expansion push from Stagwell this year,” stated Mark Penn, Chairman and CEO of Stagwell.

The leadership structure of LEADERS and IMAI will remain largely intact post-acquisition. Eran Nizri continues as Group CEO, reporting to Aaron Kwittken, Founder and CEO of Stagwell Marketing Cloud’s PRophet Comms Tech Suite. 

Itamar Gonsherovitz maintains his role as CEO of LEADERS’ digital agency operations, while Yehonatan Arami continues to lead business development.

Aaron Kwittken comments on the acquisition’s strategic value: “Combining with Eran and the LEADERS team is a force multiplier for PRophet and Stagwell to expand global reach, integrate advanced AI technologies, and leverage domain expertise around high-performance digital and influencer marketing strategy for customers.”

The deal also marks Stagwell’s entry into the Israeli market, adding to its recent acquisitions of Team Epiphany (U.S.), Sidekick (U.K.), What’s Next Partners (France), PROS (Brazil), Business Traveller (Global), and BERA (U.S.).

According to InvestingPro Insights, Stagwell’s trading position is near its 52-week high, reflecting a strong market sentiment and a noteworthy return of 17.93% over the last three months.

Stagwell’s market capitalization is $1.89 billion, with a notable Price/Book ratio of 5.61 as of Q1 2024. 

The company’s revenue growth of 7.65% quarterly for Q1 2024 indicates a positive trajectory in sales, and its gross profit margin of 35.85% showcases its ability to maintain profitability in its operations.