360i Acquires SearchIgnite

Search marketing agency 360i acquired SearchIgnite, owner of a popular search campaign management software.

SearchIgnite will operate as a separate entity, under CEO Roger Barnette. Additionally, Barnette will join 360i’s board. Financial terms were not disclosed, and 360i was not immediately available for comment. 360i made the acquisition announcement concurrent with the Search Engine Strategies conference taking place in New York City.

With the move, 360i joins a short list of companies offering proprietary technology along with services. The largest of these is aQuantive, parent of Avenue A / Razorfish, which acquired GoToast late in 2003. 360i said the move will help clients better manage and optimize campaigns.

“Recently we have seen a significant increase in the media services portion of our business,” said 360i Chief Strategist and Co-founder David Williams, in a statement. “SearchIgnite gives us the tools we need to provide businesses the best and most comprehensive paid search management services available.”

360i offers keyword research and bid management for standard paid and algorithmic search campaigns. The company has experience with contextual, local, and shopping channels. Clients include Universal Orlando Resort and Vanguard Car Rental USA, parent to Alamo. SearchIgnite manages keywords for 40 clients and search agencies.

It’s not clear yet whether SearchIgnite’s agency clients will continue to manage campaigns with it now that belongs to a competitor.