YKONE, an international influencer marketing agency, has acquired 70% of the Indian agency Barcode, specialising in content and influencer marketing. The strategic move aims to capitalise on the growing opportunities in the Indian influencer market, particularly in the luxury sector, which is expected to experience significant growth. With India’s large social media audience, the acquisition provides a platform for brands and creators to tap into this market. Barcode’s talent management branch, ‘CLICK MEDIA,’ represents over 20 Indian influencers and actors, further enhancing YKONE’s ability to connect brands with high-profile figures in India. YKONE’s decision to remain independent distinguishes it from other social media marketing agencies, allowing it to focus on innovation and establish itself as a leader in the influencer marketing industry. The acquisition claims to strengthen YKONE’s position, with a turnover of $100 million and over 300 employees, positioning the company for continued growth and success in the global influencer marketing landscape.
“The acquisition of Barcode Agency is a significant step for YKONE and its international expansion. YKONE already had a presence in India with an office in Bangalore since 2017. With the addition of Barcode’s operations in India, YKONE’s reach in the country and the broader Asia-Pacific region expands even further,” Olivier Billon, founder and CEO, YKONE, said.
“This acquisition empowers us to provide worldwide services to our Indian clientele while simultaneously promoting India’s unique narrative globally. We are very proud to join forces YKONE’s talented teams. My ambition with Olivier is to achieve worldwide supremacy in the field of Influencer Marketing. We are happy to introduce CAMPAYGN to the Indian market. This innovative tool shall help fill the gap of Indian customers planning their content & social commerce strategy with Barcode and YKONE,” Rahul Khanna, CEO, Barcode, said.
With this move both YKONE and Barcode can leverage their respective strengths, resources, and expertise to seize new business opportunities and adapt to the evolving developments in the international influencer marketing landscape.