Travis Johnson. Credit: Podean
Amazon specialist agency Podean has acquired retail media agency Amerge, its third deal in six months, pushing the combined group's media under management to more than $500 million and its presence to 20 countries.
The combined entity drove more than $4 billion in client sales in 2025 and now spans 110 marketplaces and 50 retail media networks, with clients including e.l.f. Cosmetics, Mattel, Adobe and Danone.
Travis Johnson, global CEO of Podean, said the acquisition strategy was client-driven.
"Our strategy is driven by the services and geographies our clients need to drive growth," Johnson said.
"As an integrated leadership team, we fundamentally believe in the importance of independence and a clear focus on marketplace and retail media networks."
The deal adds Amerge's proprietary technology, Amerge View and Amerge Engine, to Podean's existing Purvey.AI platform, a machine-learning stack providing automated optimisations and real-time cross-platform reporting.
Amerge co-founder and incoming Podean international CEO John Doyle said the technology combination would accelerate client service.
"Our footprint across all time zones ensures clients receive industry-leading output, wherever they are and whenever they need it," Doyle said.
Amerge co-founder Will Fisher, who joins as chief commercial officer, said the fit made strategic sense.
"Our ex-Amazonian background and expertise paired with their depth in retail media, global scale and strategy will be very powerful for our clients," Fisher said.
Vitaly Dmitriev, Amerge's third co-founder and chief technology officer, said the merged group was now the largest independent global marketplaces-focused operation.
"No one can provide more service, in more countries, on more marketplaces than Podean," Dmitriev said.
The acquisition follows Podean's earlier purchases of Commerce Canal and Ad Advance.
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.