InSites Consulting acquires South African agency Columinate

The acquisition follows InSites’ strategic partnership with Mentha Capital, announced last month, which saw the private equity firm take a majority stake in the agency.

Founded in 2008, Columinate has achieved 35% year-on-year growth over the past four years, with a focus on digital research methods. The partnership is InSites’ second purchase, following last year’s acquisition of Sydney-based agency Direction First.

Kristof De Wulf, co-founder and chief executive of InSites Consulting (pictured), said: “With the intellectual capital, client network and digital technology which Columinate brings to the table, we will be able to better service the needs of and unlock more benefits for our global clients.”

Following the deal, Columinate’s co-founder and chief executive, Henk Pretorius, will remain managing director of the South African office, but will also take on the role of managing partner within InSites’ global organisation, with a broader focus on defining the company’s strategic direction.

Pretorius said: “We are fortunate to have such a strong, future-focused partner in InSites Consulting, which means that more global brands can benefit from our methodologies. Not to mention being able to better service more regional and global brands right here at home.”

The financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.