W2O acquires Starpower

As part of the acquisition, Starpower will operate as part of W2O but will retain its own separate leadership. The terms of the deal have not been released.

The two companies have worked together on a number of campaigns over the years, and the acquisition will allow Starpower to use W2O’s data models and tools as well as access its analysts, scientific strategists, branding, communications and creatives.

W2O was set up in 2001, and focuses on providing analytics-driven, digital-first marketing services and communications to the healthcare sector. The acquisition of Starpower is its eighth such deal in the past year.

Starpower was founded in 2007 and has offices in San Francisco and New York. It carries out influencer, celebrity and entertainment marketing, and also runs data-driven social strategies for health and wellness, consumer, lifestyle, entertainment and sport brands.

Jennifer Gottlieb, global president of W2O, said: “Consumer empowerment is more important than ever as the Covid-19 pandemic accelerates digitisation and a sea change in the way people manage their life and health.

“There couldn’t be a more important time for us to join forces with Starpower as we continue to realise our vision to be the ‘first at what’s next’ in health.”

Matthew Lalin, founder of Starpower, said: “Given the extraordinary growth in branded entertainment and influencer marketing, it’s a natural time for us to join forces.

“This partnership will bring W2O’s fully integrated marketing and communications offerings to our existing clients in health and wellness, consumer and beauty, and to new clients, giving us the ability to deliver across the entire spectrum of client needs.”