Orange sells ad network Unanimis to Switch

Premium ad network Unanimis, wholly owned by Orange, has been sold to ad tech firm Switch for an undisclosed sum.

Acquired by the Orange France Telecom Group in 2009, Unanimis, which is second only to Google in terms of UK ad network reach, will continue to operate under the leadership of CEO Andrew Fawcett-Wolf.

Hampshire-based Switch is the UK’s fastest growing ad tech company and was recently ranked number two in the Sunday Times Tech Track 100. The acquisition of Unanimis will see it take its tech proposition to the heart of London’s advertising market.

“We’re excited by the prospect of putting together these companies,” said Switch CEO, Tom Barnett. “The acquisition will enable both entities to build on their strengths, giving us an unrivalled industry position.

“Combining strengths in technology with unparalleled expertise in publisher representation will ensure that we’re well-placed to take advantage of future opportunities in the digital advertising landscape.”

Founded in 2001, Unanimis is the largest digital advertising network specialising in branded and performance display advertising, across internet and mobile.

Since being bought by Orange five years ago, it has incorporated Orange.co.uk and Orange Mobile Portals into its network, giving it access to over 1.9 million users of the mobile network each month.

Newsline understands the current deal will not impact this arrangement.