Public relations firm ClearStory has been acquired by Shannon-based digital marketing agency Core Optimisation. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Core Optimisation said the takeover forms part of a broader €500,000 investment in expanding its operations to North America and the United Arab Emirates.
Founded in 2015 by Caroline Dunlea and David Brett, Core Optimisation has developed a significant foothold in strategic digital consultancy over the past number of years. The company began its international expansion with the UK market and is now positioning itself to expand into North America and MENA markets.
Core Optimisation has an extensive client book across multiple sectors, including global brands such as Waterwipes, Tirlán Country Life, Kirby Group and Aryzta, and will now integrate ClearStory’s tech, finance, defence and hospitality-focused PR client base.
ClearStory International was founded by James McCann in 2017 as an international PR agency specialising in reputation building for emerging and scaling brands.
The agency has since expanded its client base across North America, Europe and MENA to include major players across the tech, finance and defence sectors, including Techstars, the Asian Development Bank, Dynasafe, CoinDesk, and Riskline.
The latest accounts for Sandyford-based ClearStory show annual losses of €241,100 in 2023 following a €210,700 profit the previous year, bringing reserves down to €81,700.
"This acquisition strengthens our global capabilities and enhances our ability to offer a fully integrated digital marketing and PR service to our growing client base," said Dunlea.
"As we are in the AI era, brands need cohesive, data-led narratives across every channel and our clients are increasingly seeking partners who can anticipate and respond to their evolving needs.
“By combining ClearStory's strategic communications expertise with our digital performance capabilities, we're positioning ourselves closer to our clients' strategic objectives by delivering integrated, insight-driven campaigns that drive meaningful growth and truly move the needle.
"This full-service offering allows us to be more responsive to the future demands of the marketplace and creates even more value through deeper client relationships."
Core Optimisation currently provides digital marketing services including SEO, PPC, paid social, data analytics and digital strategic consultancy. With more than 70 clients spanning a wide range of industries, Core Optimisation boasts a team of 60 professionals across Ireland and the UK.
The planned €500,000 investment will be used to establish a permanent presence in key emerging markets and support the integration of digital PR into its 360° marketing solutions.
Commenting on the acquisition, ClearStory chief executive McCann said: “Over the past eight years, we’ve had the privilege of working with more than 200 clients across 25 countries, helping them navigate some of the world’s most complex media markets.
"We’re now excited to bring our deep expertise in international storytelling and reputation building to Core Optimisation, as we pursue a shared ambition to build a world-renowned, Irish-owned agency.”
Core Optimisation reported a €6,300 profit and paid a €50,000 dividend in 2023, bringing its shareholders' funds to €1.02m.
Photo: James McCann, chief executive of ClearStory International, with Caroline Dunlea, co-founder of Core Optimisiation. (Pic: Michael Chester)
