Omnicom Buys Its First SEM Agency

Omnicom Group has acquired its first dedicated SEM (define) agency, Chicago-based Resolution Media. Financial terms weren’t disclosed.

The relatively unknown Resolution, founded in 2003, will remain a standalone entity with founder and CEO Matt Spiegel at its helm. The company offers paid search, SEO (define), and strategic planning services but it doesn’t have proprietary technology. Resolution has 23 employees and will become part of Omnicom’s specialty media division.

“We recognize that the growth of search engine marketing will help foster business opportunities and advance our digital leadership position in the marketplace,” said Daryl Simm, chairman and CEO of Omnicom Media Group, in a statement. “The area of search engine marketing is increasingly important to our clients and requires highly specialized skills.”

Resolution’s Spiegel said he looks at the acquisition as an opportunity to grow with the help of Omnicom’s resources and client base. The SEM firm will coordinate with various Omnicom agencies, specifically media players OMD Worldwide and PHD Network, to provide search expertise, said Spiegel. Already, Resolution has collaborated with Omnicom agencies to assist e-commerce, publishing and services clients.

The companies declined to disclose Resolution’s annual revenues. Its clients include the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, the “Chicago Tribune,” Bosch, and Rand McNally.