Merger and Acquisition
ByStartupStory | March 20, 2024
French influencer advertising and marketing powerhouse Ykone has introduced the acquisition of a 70% stake in Barcode, a distinguished Indian company specializing in content material advertising and marketing and influencer collaboration. The deal marks a major step for Ykone’s enlargement efforts, notably in India and the broader Asia-Pacific area.
The transaction, whose monetary particulars stay undisclosed, underscores Ykone’s dedication to fortifying its place within the ever-evolving panorama of influencer advertising and marketing. With a reported turnover of $100 million and a workforce exceeding 300 staff post-acquisition, Ykone solidifies its standing as a dominant pressure within the trade.
Olivier Billon, founder and CEO of Ykone, emphasised the significance of the acquisition, stating, “This is a major step for Ykone and its worldwide enlargement. It strengthens our presence in India and the broader Asia-Pacific area.”
Established in 2008, Ykone boasts a world presence throughout 18 main cities, together with key hubs like Hong Kong, Dubai, Milan, Paris, and Las Vegas. Renowned for its revolutionary digital influencer advertising and marketing platform, Campaygn, Ykone serves a prestigious clientele, predominantly luxurious manufacturers resembling Burberry, Gucci, Chloé, Hugo Boss, and Prada.
Barcode, based in 2019 by Rahul Khanna, has swiftly emerged as a number one participant within the Indian market. With a workforce of 150 staff unfold throughout three places of work, the company caters to a various clientele, together with multinational giants like Unilever, Amazon, YouTube, and luxurious manufacturers resembling Chopard. Leveraging a community of over 350,000 influencers, Barcode has facilitated over 40,000 model collaborations, solidifying its fame as an trade frontrunner.
“The acquisition of Barcode is a testomony to our dedication to tapping into high-growth markets,” remarked Billon. “India’s burgeoning luxurious market, projected to succeed in $200 billion by 2030 in keeping with Bain & Co., presents immense alternatives for Ykone.”
Highlighting the strategic worth of Barcode’s expertise administration arm, often known as Click Media, Ykone underscored the addition of influential Indian personalities to its portfolio. “This provides vital worth to Ykone’s portfolio and enhances their means to attach manufacturers with high-profile influencers within the Indian market,” the group acknowledged.
The transfer not solely cements Ykone’s foothold in India but additionally positions the group to capitalize on the area’s huge social media viewers, estimated to exceed 500 million customers.
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