Ad tech’s movers and shakers are readying a resurgence of M&A activity

AdTheorent’s exit augurs further ad tech exits from the public markets. April 04, 2024 [PRESENTED BY]( [Ad tech’s movers and shakers are readying a resurgence of M&A activity]( Cadent’s headline-grabbing $324 million acquisition of performance marketing company AdTheorent has set ad tech circles buzzing. [Is this the long-awaited thaw signaling a resurgence in mergers and acquisitions?]( Additional coverage: - Over the past 12 months, game publishers have made it clear that [they are looking to divest from esports](. Instead, they’re partnering with third-party vendors to run their leagues. - Publishers are looking at the other opportunities that gen AI pose to get the sales done quicker. [More in this Digiday+ Media Briefing.]( - [This week’s Digiday+ Research Briefing]( examines how the rapid growth of retail media networks is making it hard for marketers to decide where to spend, how agency spending on TikTok has dropped sharply in recent months and how Amazon is hoping more marketers will hop on board with its DSP. - As it aims to expand data and AI strategies and services for its clients, independent digital agency [Mod Op will launch an internal AI practice]( this week called AI Council. Other things to know about - Recognize your team's hard work in tech with the [Digiday Technology Awards](. Past winners include Disney, Permutive and many more. Submit your entries by Friday, April 12 to secure the best rate. - Brands like Doughnut Times are turning to SMS, email and reviews to [drive message reinforcement and cross-channel conversions](. Sponsored by Klaviyo. - An intelligent creative format [drives customer engagement]( and improves brand awareness, attention, consideration and other KPIs. Sponsored by Yieldmo. Top Stories Ivy Liu [The Programmatic Marketer]( [Ad tech’s movers and shakers are readying a resurgence of M&A activity]( AdTheorent’s exit augurs further ad tech exits from the public markets. howdy! [Gaming & Esports]( [Why the esports industry's publisher ownership model is on its way out]( Over the past 12 months, game publishers have made it clear that they are looking to divest from esports. Instead, they’re partnering with third-party vendors to run their leagues. SPONSORED BY [Logo] [For TV for any mood, audiences are tuning into Pluto TV]( [img]( Pluto TV is the leading free streaming television service. It delivers hundreds of live linear channels and thousands of titles on-demand, offering audiences entertainment to fit any mood. Whether viewers are in the mood for an action-filled adrenaline rush, a deep belly laugh from their favorite comedy or ready to play detective on one of the many true-crime channels, Pluto TV has something for them to enjoy—for free. [Learn More]( [Sponsored by Future]( [How brands outside the gaming industry are tapping into gaming audiences]( Join this virtual event on April 10 at 1 p.m. ET to learn how non-endemic brands are gaining an edge by tapping into the spaces gamers frequent, such as publications and events. howdy! [Generative AI]( [Media Briefing: Publishers explore the business-side applications of generative AIÂ]( Publishers are looking at the other opportunities that gen AI pose to get the sales done quicker. [Sponsored by Cedara]( [Why advertisers seek out publishers embracing sustainability]( Publishers’ carbon footprint data and subsequent reduction will be critical for advertisers and others in the value chain to achieve net zero. howdy! [Retail Revolution]( [Research Briefing: RMNs vie for ad dollars, but marketers are unsure where to spend]( In this week’s Digiday+ Research Briefing, we examine how the rapid growth of retail media networks is making it hard for marketers to decide where to spend, how agency spending on TikTok has dropped sharply in recent months and how Amazon is hoping more marketers will hop on board with its DSP, as seen in recent data from Digiday+ Research. Advertisement [Sponsored by Wpromote]( [Brands are investing in forecasting tools to hit revenue targets]( Accurate forecasting is critical to investment scenario planning, but these tools must generate insights without relying on outdated models, such as third-party data. howdy! [Evolving Agencies]( [Indie agency Mod Op launches AI practice as it expands via acquisitions]( It’s part of Mod Op’s aggressive acquisition strategy over the past year, with an aim to boost its creative and tech capabilities. howdy! [Retail Revolution]( [Why Scotts Miracle-Gro is pursuing more retail media from retailers like The Home Depot amid the crumbling cookie]( The loss of third-party cookies continues to push marketers, like Scotts Miracle-Gro, to pursue retail marketing networks. [All Latest Stories]( You received this email because you’re a member of the Digiday community. If someone forwarded this to you, [subscribe for yourself here](#). [Unsubscribe from this newsletter or update your preferences](. I don't want to hear from Digiday anymore. [Stop receiving all Digiday emails](. Digiday Media, One Liberty Plaza, 9th Floor, New York, NY 10006 [Forward to a Friend](