Is Criteo Up for Sale Amid New CEO Hunt?

August 30, 2024 at 6:13:58 AM

TL;DR Criteo's CEO Megan Clarken plans to exit within the next 12 months, sparking speculation about a potential acquisition. Possible buyers include The Trade Desk, Microsoft, Walmart, Publicis Groupe, and GroupM. Each has strategic reasons for acquiring Criteo, from bolstering retail media capabilities to expanding global ad reach. Clarken's departure could pave the way for a significant move in the ad tech industry.

Is Criteo Up for Sale Amid New CEO Hunt?

One of ad tech’s most celebrated CEOs, Megan Clarken of Criteo, is planning her exit within the next 12 months. This has sparked rumors that her departure could pave the way for a significant acquisition in the ad tech industry. Criteo has previously been in talks with potential buyers and even put itself on the market last year. Here are some rumored contenders for acquiring Criteo:

The Trade Desk

  • Background: The largest independent ad tech vendor, known for its cautious acquisition strategy.
  • Potential Fit: Criteo’s strong position in retail media could complement The Trade Desk’s focus on CTV, offering a new growth avenue.

Microsoft

  • Background: Actively expanding its advertising footprint through acquisitions like Xandr and PromoteIQ.
  • Potential Fit: A partnership already exists, making Criteo a strategic acquisition to bolster Microsoft’s commerce, streaming, gaming, and B2B ads sectors.

Walmart

  • Background: Aggressively pursuing advertising goals, including acquiring TV manufacturer Vizio.
  • Potential Fit: Criteo could help Walmart integrate its e-commerce platform, Vizio’s CTV capabilities, and in-store data for more impactful advertising, and expand its ad business globally.

Publicis Groupe

  • Background: Almost acquired Criteo a decade ago and has been investing in commerce and retail media firms.
  • Potential Fit: Criteo’s evolution makes it a better fit now, potentially boosting Publicis’s end-to-end retail media offering.

GroupM (WPP)

  • Background: WPP’s fortunes are currently less favorable compared to Publicis Groupe.
  • Potential Fit: New leadership under Brian Lesser, who has a history of significant acquisitions, could see Criteo as a means to revive WPP’s fortunes. Retail media is a key focus, and Criteo’s capabilities would be a strong addition.

Criteo’s market capitalization was over $2.5 billion the same week Clarken announced her exit, indicating any acquisition would be a significant investment.

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