WPP Acquires Canadian Commerce Agency Diff to Grow Its Partner Ecosystem in North America

Rhea-AI Summary

WPP has announced its acquisition of Diff, a leading commerce agency based in Montreal, Canada, known for its Shopify expertise. This strategic move aims to enhance WPP's digital commerce capabilities, aligning with its growth strategy in the eCommerce sector. With direct-to-consumer sales in the U.S. projected to reach $213 billion in 2023, WPP seeks to bolster its offerings to clients. Diff's innovative approach will expand WPP's portfolio across North America, where it already manages over $40 billion in direct sales and employs 13,500 commerce specialists.

Positive

• The acquisition enhances WPP's digital commerce capabilities.
• Diff's Shopify expertise strengthens WPP’s position in the growing eCommerce market.
• WPP manages over $40 billion in direct sales for clients, indicating robust existing commerce operations.
• The acquisition complements WPP's accelerated growth strategy in commerce.

Negative

• None.

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- WPP (NYSE: WPP) today announces that it is acquiring Diff, a leading commerce agency based in Montreal, Canada.

Diff is an award-winning developer of tailor-made commerce solutions with specialized capabilities that address the rapidly growing Shopify commerce ecosystem. Founded in 2011 by Benjamin Crudo, the 115-strong company will join the Wunderman Thompson global network, complementing its world-class commerce and marketing services teams in North America.

With direct-to-consumer commerce sales in the United States forecast to grow to almost $213 billion by 2023, more brands are adopting D2C models as part of a multichannel approach. Diff specializes in growth strategy, front-end design, site optimization and system integrations which has enabled the agency to create some of the most innovative, complex and high-performing online stores on the Shopify platform, which now accounts for 10% of the United States’ eCommerce market share. Among Diff’s high-growth D2C client portfolio are Giant Tiger, Kith, Sakara Life, and more.

The acquisition will further strengthen WPP’s digital commerce capabilities and reflects the company’s ongoing investment into its commerce offer for clients as consumer needs continue to change. It is aligned with WPP's accelerated growth strategy, building on existing capabilities in the areas of commerce and technology. WPP is ranked as a Leader in Forrester's latest global Commerce Services Wave, and already manages more than $40bn of direct and $20bn of marketplace GMV for clients, employing 13,500 commerce specialists across its agencies.

Mark Read, CEO of WPP, said: “The tremendous growth in the digital commerce ecosystem means our clients are looking to us to deliver the innovative solutions they need to reach new and existing customers in meaningfully engaging ways. Diff’s Shopify expertise, alongside its unique blend of strategy, optimization and design, will be a welcome addition to our commerce portfolio and will drive results for our clients in North America, which is WPP’s largest market.”

Neil Stewart, CEO of Wunderman Thompson Commerce, said: “This acquisition boosts Wunderman Thompson’s commerce and technology ecosystem across North America, bringing Shopify expertise to our roster of well-established technology partnerships. Our global clients will now have access to the expertise of one of Shopify’s longest standing partners and its multichannel platform that caters to 600 million shoppers in more than 175 countries. Together we offer brands and retailers extended routes to market, including D2C, marketplaces, eRetail and social commerce.”

Benjamin Crudo, CEO and Founder of Diff, said: “We couldn’t be more excited to join the ranks of Wunderman Thompson, bringing Shopify’s disruptive power to its global client base. Ecommerce has been radically reshaping the way brands bring their products and services to market, and Diff has been at the forefront of this revolution. As one of Shopify’s founding and most innovative agency partners we’re looking forward to continuing to expand the platform’s reach.”

About WPP

WPP is the creative transformation company. We use the power of creativity to build better futures for our people, planet, clients and communities. For more information, visit www.wpp.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221207005847/en/

Further information

Martina Suess, WPP

+1 917-456-5049

Martina.suess@wpp.com

Source: WPP

FAQ

What is the purpose of WPP's acquisition of Diff?

WPP's acquisition of Diff aims to enhance its digital commerce capabilities and expertise in the growing Shopify ecosystem.

How will the acquisition of Diff impact WPP's commerce strategy?

The acquisition will strengthen WPP's digital commerce portfolio and expand services available to clients in North America.

What are Diff's specialties that benefit WPP?

Diff specializes in growth strategy, site optimization, and system integrations, particularly within the Shopify platform.

What is the projected growth of direct-to-consumer sales in the U.S.?

Direct-to-consumer sales in the U.S. are forecasted to reach almost $213 billion by 2023.

How many commerce specialists does WPP employ?

WPP employs approximately 13,500 commerce specialists across its agencies.