Digital Media, Tech Acquisitions Up 9% in Q3

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While traditional media has seen slumping sales and cuts in nearly every area, digital media and related industries boomed in the third quarter.

According to Direct Marketing News, mergers and acquisitions in marketing, media, technology and services industries were up 9% over Q2, rising to $43.4 billion. Digital media and commerce experienced the most activity, and the trade site offers up some stats:

The digital advertising segment’s transaction volume increased 8% during the quarter, with transaction value increasing 39% to $1.4 billion. Thirty-five transactions occurred in the marketing services segment, totaling $1.6 billion, a 119% volume increase and a 170% value increase.

One analyst that commented made the observation that digital ventures “will have greater demand and higher valuation than things that are not [digital],” and opined that performance will continue to be higher for ventures that are profitable as opposed those involving more established brands or entities that have seen “softened” performance in recent weeks or months. The analyst cites an “overriding preference for acquiring best in class assets.”