Canadian mobile ad tech company Native Touch has acquired Montreal-based M32 Connect, a technology firm specializing in helping digital publishers and retailers understand and monetize their data.
Native Touch, which has 65 employees, will now be joined by M32’s 11 person team. The two entities will continue to operate separately, but will collaborate to develop advanced local media products which, according to the two companies, strengthen the Canadian media landscape: improving advertising strategies across local and domestic channels and creating greater opportunities to integrate local media into advertising buys.
M32’s core technology will elevate Native Touch’s enhanced data insights and innovative creative capabilities, used to help local publishers cultivate more sustainable businesses– particularly valuable in the wake of Canada’s Bill C-18 (Online News Act).
“While this partnership has been in the works for some time, it has come to fruition at a time where Canadian publishers and media are in need of strategic support,” Native Touch co-founder and CEO Saad Uddin, told Campaign. “The introduction of Canada’s Online News Act has had a negative impact on the media landscape in many ways, resulting in a lack of local content, investment, and job opportunities for Canadian news.”
“As a proudly Canadian company, we’ve always been dedicated to supporting the local media landscape and Canadian publishers,” said Uddin. ”We know our clients are also prioritizing the health of Canada’s media landscape and are in need of effective ways to continue their support.”
“Our commitment to our clients and our employees remains at the forefront of this transition,” added M32 Connect co-founder Mo Kahlain “Together, we are ready to deliver enhanced value, support, and opportunities, ensuring a brighter future for all stakeholders involved."
