Aegis Snags Search Specialist Range Online
SEM, SEO and site optimization agency will be re-branded as iProspect.
Aegis has imbibed Fort Worth-based Range Online Media, a search marketing and optimization firm whose clients have included Godiva, Aveda, and Macys.com
Seven-year-old Range will be re-branded iProspect, continuing a trend of acquiring and renaming that has so far characterized Aegis’ approach to growth in search. Other iProspect acquisitions to meet a similar fate include Globlet in Thailand, rmsarcar.com in Germany, and Extenseo in Belgium.
Isobar first purchased iProspect in 2004, for $50 million. Its network now spans 21 offices in 17 countries.
Founded in 2001, Range Online once specialized in the travel and retail verticals but has branched out to serve tech, luxury, financial and entertainment clients. Last year the firm lost its coveted Travelocity account, which it had held for five years, when the travel site decided to consolidate its search and analytics business with iCrossing.
In addition to its in-house expertise, regional presence, and client base, Range brings to iProspect a technology offering geared toward measurement and optimization of social and emerging media — including blogs, podcasts, and PR functions.
The Range buy is Isobar’s sixth acquisition this year; the firm also bought Tempo Media in Romania and Russia’s AdWatch among others.
