Cork-based marketing firm Granite Digital continues its aggressive growth campaign with yet another acquisition, expected to boost company revenues by over €14m this year. The latest addition to their portfolio is Galway-based product design company Armour, the financial details of which have not been disclosed. This acquisition not only expands Granite Digital’s range of services with enhanced product development capabilities but also provides flexibility in adapting to the rapidly evolving world of digital customer experiences. Conor Buckley, CEO of Granite Digital, expressed his excitement about the acquisition, stating that it will have a positive impact on their ability to deliver comprehensive digital services to their growing customer base.
The acquisition of Armour adds 150 customers across Ireland, the UK, and the US to Granite Digital’s client portfolio. Some notable clients include Supermac’s, Intel, eFlow, and Pfizer. With this acquisition, Granite Digital’s workforce has grown to over 120 employees. Armour’s staff has now joined the greater Granite Digital team and will operate as the product development wing of the business, trading as Armour by Granite. Andrew Dewdney, co-founder and director of Armour, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration and the potential for further accelerating client business and growth.
This acquisition by Granite Digital is the latest in a series of deals completed by the company. In 2022, they purchased Dublin-based Willows Consulting and Continuum, adding over 100 clients from various regions to their business. Armour is the 14th Irish digital services business to be acquired by Granite Digital, with previous acquisitions including Connector, Webtrade, Media One, and Apps Made Easy. The company aims to expand its range of digital services and experiences for its growing Irish and international customer base.
Earlier this year, Granite Digital made strides in the US market by acquiring New York-based LCM 247. LCM247 is a creative agency and television production studio that offers design, marketing automation, website, and app creation services. They also produce advertisements, network TV series, and documentaries. Granite Digital’s expansion has made it the largest independent digital agency in Ireland.
Granite Digital, founded in Cork in 2008, now boasts a client base of over 1,200 organizations. Their service offerings include design, technology, strategy, digital marketing, advertising, and secure managed hosting. Some of their notable clients include Enterprise Ireland, Bons Secours Health System, Dublin Bus, Davy, Fexco, and Aon.
Despite its success with acquisitions, Granite Digital has faced challenges over the past year. Inflation has impacted their margins, leading to higher prices. Additionally, Brexit has posed difficulties for the company. In 2021, Granite Digital was in the process of acquiring a UK-based company, but the deal fell through due to various reasons, including Brexit. However, despite these obstacles, Granite Digital has managed to maintain momentum and perform well in the current mergers and acquisitions environment.
Recent figures from LSEG Deals Intelligence indicate a decline in the value of mergers and acquisitions involving Irish companies in the first half of this year. However, Granite Digital’s continued growth and success contribute to the overall resilience of the industry.