WPP has acquired Lancaster-based Cloud Commerce Group (CCG), a technology company that helps brands to market, sell and deliver their products across ecommerce platforms and marketplaces that include Amazon, eBay, Etsy and Wayfair.
The Cloud Commerce Group platform powers over £1 billion in gross merchandise value (GMV) annually through its various integrations.
Cloud Commerce Group employs over 100 people across Europe and it will join WPP’s Wunderman Thompson global network as part of its commerce and technology proposition.
“CCG is a leader in multi-channel ecommerce software, supporting hundreds of European retailers and wholesalers,” said WPP.
“The software platform helps brands across the entire commerce journey, connecting customer acquisition and multi-platform commerce, with warehousing, inventory, and fulfilment partners.
“CCG’s solution integrates with the most widely-used and popular marketplaces including Amazon and eBay, ecommerce platforms including Shopify and Magento, and multiple accounting systems, payment gateways and fulfilment partners.”
WPP CEO Mark Read said: “Clients look to WPP to help them market, sell and fulfil across multiple ecommerce channels and marketplaces.
“With over £1 billion revenue transacting through its platform, Cloud Commerce Group already has demonstrable scale and success in managing the complex omnichannel commerce needs of global brands.
“I’m excited about how CCG’s expertise will further strengthen the breadth and depth of our commerce offering to deliver growth for our clients.”
Cloud Commerce Group said: “WPP is the world’s leading creative transformation company with extensive capabilities in ecommerce and technology and brings to CCG a significant global reach with over 13,500 commerce services employees serving high-profile customers around the world, including Ford, IBM, Mars and Mondelez.
“CCG’s 100+ employees across Europe will join WPP, signalling another step in WPP’s ongoing investment into building commerce capabilities it offers to its clients, supporting them on their overall commerce journeys.”
Cloud Commerce Group said it will now hire more staff.
CCG founders Mark Hallam and Stuart Forrest said: “The team at WPP are excited by our existing roadmap for developing the Cloud Commerce Pro platform and expanding our marketing services through Cloud Seller Pro, and with the investment and experience WPP bring in growing businesses, we will be able to achieve those goals faster and take on new integrations and markets.
“This acquisition by WPP is the next step of the journey for CCG and we are excited about the opportunities this will present to our hard-working team and growing customer base.”