U.S. presence bolstered by Brainlabs through purchase of Exverus Media
In a strategic move to bolster its full-funnel media capabilities, Brainlabs, the independent media agency, has announced the acquisition of Los Angeles-based Exverus Media. This deal marks a significant step in Brainlabs' transformation into a full-service Agency of Record (AOR) across all media channels [1][2][3].
Exverus Media, renowned for its data-driven media planning and strategy, brings to the table expertise in traditional, programmatic, retail media, e-commerce, paid search, and paid social. Managing over $100 million in annual media spend, the agency boasts a prestigious client roster of high-profile brands [1][2][4].
The acquisition enables Brainlabs to deliver a seamless, fully integrated media offering, covering all stages of the marketing funnel, from upper-funnel brand awareness to performance-driven tactics. It offers clients a single agency solution across all media types, improving campaign coherence and efficiencies [1][3][5].
The deal also expands Brainlabs' geographic reach and market presence, establishing a stronger foothold on the West Coast. With this acquisition, Brainlabs' headcount in the U.S. expands to 500 people, and globally, the agency surpasses 1,060 employees [1][3][5].
Daniel Gilbert, CEO and founder of Brainlabs, stated, "The acquisition completes our transformation into a full-service AOR across all media channels." He further added, "The advertising industry is finding its new homes in independents." Gilbert sees the Exverus deal and Brainlabs' growth as a bright spot in the media agency sector amid consolidation and layoffs [1][3][5].
Exverus' co-founders, Bill Durrant, Talia Arnold, and Jack Win, will remain in their current roles, continuing to lead the team from Los Angeles. For the next year, Exverus will operate as a relatively independent unit within Brainlabs [1][3][5].
Brainlabs has been backed by private equity firm Falfurrias Capital, and this acquisition grows Brainlabs' U.S. billings to $1 billion. No additional North America acquisitions are planned in the near term by Brainlabs [1][3][5].
In other news, Brainlabs has recently been picked as UNICEF USA's Media Agency of Record, and the agency is targeting 20% global revenue growth this year [1][6]. Brainlabs has also acquired a handful of agencies in the past few years, including Hanapin, Distilled, Nabler, Fanbytes, Sparro, and Jack Nimble [1][7].
[1] https://www.adexchanger.com/agencies/brainlabs-acquires-exverus-media-to-strengthen-full-funnel-media-capabilities/ [2] https://www.adweek.com/agencies/brainlabs-acquires-exverus-media-to-bolster-its-full-funnel-media-capabilities/ [3] https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/brainlabs-acquires-exverus-media-strengthen-full-funnel-media-capabilities/1769503 [4] https://www.adweek.com/agencies/brainlabs-acquires-exverus-media-to-bolster-its-full-funnel-media-capabilities/ [5] https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/brainlabs-acquires-exverus-media-strengthen-full-funnel-media-capabilities/1769503 [6] https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/unicef-usa-picks-brainlabs-media-agency-record/1769497 [7] https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/brainlabs-acquires-exverus-media-strengthen-full-funnel-media-capabilities/1769503
- The acquisition of Exverus Media, a data-driven agency with expertise in various media types and a renowned client list, positions Brainlabs for growth in the advertising industry and the potential to manage over $1 billion in annual media spend.
- With the expansion of Brainlabs' geographic reach and market presence, and the addition of Exverus' team, the agency aims to deliver integrated media offerings and improve efficiencies across all stages of the marketing funnel.
- Daniel Gilbert, CEO and founder of Brainlabs, sees the finance-backed acquisition as a strategic move that strengthens Brainlabs' position as a full-service Agency of Record (AOR) across all media channels, and a bright spot in the consolidating media agency sector.
