AN Omagh marketing agency has agreed a deal to sell to Ireland’s largest independent digital marketing group in a landmark cross-border deal, announced as the New York Stock Exchange turned green to mark St Patrick’s Day. Creative Media, based in Co Tyrone and employing around 40 people, is being acquired for an undisclosed amount.
This marks Granite’s second acquisition in Northern Ireland in recent months, following its purchase of Belfast web design company Zesty from News UK & Ireland last August.
With this latest deal, Granite Digital’s workforce now exceeds 200 people across its offices in Cork, Dublin, Galway, Belfast, Dubai and New York. Its client portfolio includes major international brands such as Zoom, Sysco, Stryker, Iron Mountain, Aer Lingus, Tesco and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Founded in 1999 by Omagh entrepreneur Marcus Isherwood, Creative Media has grown steadily over the last two decades. The agency now exports a substantial share of its services, with around 65% going to North America. It also serves clients in France, Germany, Sweden, Australia and Argentina.
The existing Creative Media team is expected to remain in place following the acquisition. Marcus Isherwood will also join Granite Digital as Chief Revenue Officer, working alongside Chief Executive Conor Buckley.
Granite has said the acquisition will combine its own digital capability with Creative Media’s marketing expertise as part of wider expansion plans. The group is targeting revenues of 40 million dollars by 2027, with North America expected to account for around half of total income.
Marcus Isherwood said that, after more than 20 years of building Creative Media, becoming part of Granite Digital felt like the right next step. He said both businesses share a strong focus on international growth and delivering measurable results, and that the partnership would create further opportunities for both clients and staff.
Granite Chief Executive Conor Buckley said North America has long been central to the group’s growth plans. He described the acquisition, Marcus Isherwood’s appointment, and the company’s investment in the US market as part of a deliberate strategy to deepen Granite’s footprint in the world’s largest digital market.
The deal was formally confirmed at an event in Manhattan last week attended by Northern Ireland Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald and Irish Enterprise Minister Peter Burke.
