Consumer sport and lifestyle communications agency Gung Ho has bought out influencer marketing platform Freestak.
The acquisition will see the Birmingham-based agency's existing client roster benefit from Freestak's proprietary influencer platform which currently reaches 1,000 content creators across the UK, Europe and the US.
In addition, the undisclosed deal will allow the two companies to develop new products and capabilities that complement their existing communication services.
London-based Freestak specialises in the sport, fashion and lifestyle sectors.
Gung Ho said the buyout was another step in its plan to redefine the agency which had recently seen the introduction of its talent management platform called Gung Ho Represents. The two agencies will continue to operate independently post deal.
Chief executive Paul Phedon said: "Bringing Freestak into our Gung Ho family marks the beginning of a win-win partnership that will advance our existing influencer marketing and data-driven expertise while propelling Freestak to grow faster and into new realms and sectors.
"Acquiring an influencer agency was a priority because the category is growing dynamically and this move further cements us as market leaders in the sector.
"It's clear that Freestak's innovative platform will create a new canvass of opportunities to help our clients meet the ever-increasing demand for content, data and results metrics."
Freestak's chief executive Simon Freeman added: "This is not just the logical next step for our platform but it's a deeply exciting one.
"We have long admired Gung Ho's creativity and our two companies also share a similar energy and passion for success which makes for a perfect cultural fit.
"This is a partnership that combines our team of influencer and digital marketing and technology experts alongside Gung Ho's team of social media, content creators and PR professionals and we can't wait to get started.
"The move and associated investment means we can take Freestak forward to new levels, strengthen our offer and further drive growth for our clients."
