Isobar President on Bluestreak Sale
June 26, 2007
DOUBLECLICK SHOULDN’T BE THREATENED BY Aegis Group’s purchase of Bluestreak, an ad platform that lets you watch and respond to ad performance in real time.–or at least not yet, according to Sarah Fay, U.S. president of Isobar, Aegis’ digital network.
“Buying Bluestreak does not affect our global deal with DoubleClick, but I’d like them to know that we have alternatives now,” Fay said.
Such subtle defensiveness has become common among agency heads and media companies since Google agreed to buy DoubleClick for $3.1 billion in April–sparking a string of acquisitions that have driven scalable, independent ad networks to near extinction.
Fearing Google’s ever-expanding influence, Microsoft quickly agreed to buy aQuantive for $6.1 billion, and then WPP snatched up 24/7 Real Media for about $649 million.
The $12.5 million Aegis is paying for Bluestreak might seem minor compared to those earlier acquisitions. Still, according to Fay, Bluestreak represents the foundation for Aegis’ future.
“This move is protective, but at the same time very forward-thinking,” she said. “We’re making sure we can take control over our platform if we need to, which means we’ll be investing in Bluestreak.”
To date, Bluestreak has handled all forms of online advertising, but has specialized in delivery of rich media. In 1999, on behalf of Pfizer’s Zithromax, Aegis and Bluestreak collaborated on one of the first U.S. rich media ads.
Following completion of the acquisition, Bluestreak’s ad-serving employees will be transferred into Isobar. Bluestreak is the only ad server to be fully integrated with Isobar’s paid search bidding agent, iSEBA.
Cannes Fringe covers the Art Directors Club
June 26, 2007
The Art Directors Club (Germany) invited members, friends and press late on Friday afternoon to a dignified finish to the end of the Festival week. There were oysters and Champagne - and the Fringers loved it!
Cannes Fringe talks to Craig Davis of JWT
June 25, 2007
JWT’s uber Chief Creative Officer Craig Davis spoke to Cannes Fringe on Friday. He let us into some of his thoughts on the industry and an insight as to what exactly he does when travelling around the world talking shop!
Check it out!
Cannes Lions keeping Al Gore in the Dark
June 25, 2007
So we here at the Fringe were interested to see that our counterparts at the Advertising Festival, The Cannes Lions, were following our lead and “filming” some interviews from the festival. Having seen their masterful attempt at interviewing Al Gore for their site we at Cannes Fringe wanted to share their content online…if anyone can tell us whats going on we would love to know…?
Well done for keeping Al Gore in the dark…
Skin Tone Swimming Trunks on a Scooter
June 25, 2007
Now Getty Images put on a great display of some questionable “viral” images down on the front in Cannes, but to be honest, nothing can set you up for this image first thing in the morning after a heavy night of Fringing.
Cannes Fringe checks out the straight8 screening in Cannes
June 24, 2007
We got down on Friday to see the straight 8 competition. Unfortunately we were not allowed to show the films here but we can at least give you a little taster. Keep up the good work and let us show the full films next year please.
Check it……
Feeling like Andy - send us your pics
June 23, 2007
Andy Bell (middle) was let out last night. He made up for the fact that he’d had to work his tat’s off all week and he hit the Famous 400% Bison Vodka, not a good move. Me and P could have told him that…. but we thoughth it would be funnier not to. ASPRIN.
Send us your pictures - hit submit at the top of the blog…
