Brand Engagement Network (BEN) is acquiring Munich-based media company Cataneo in a $19.5 million cash and stock transaction, marking a strategic expansion for both companies. Cataneo, known for its all-in-one solution supporting ad sales, inventory management, and campaign optimization, primarily assists broadcast and entertainment firms in streamlining their operations, boosting revenue, and improving audience engagement. Cataneo’s Mydas platform is a key component of its offerings, managing over €5 billion in annual media spending and servicing more than 5,000 users and over 1,000 media brands worldwide.
BEN, a developer of conversational AI solutions, brings a portfolio of AI-powered digital assistants and lifelike avatars designed to create engaging, interactive experiences across digital platforms like browsers, mobile apps, and physical kiosks. BEN’s technology solutions are built on validated data and are available through SaaS, Private Cloud, and On-Premises offerings. By integrating BEN’s advanced generative AI technology, Cataneo aims to enhance its Mydas platform, adding new dimensions to audience engagement and improving customer experience for its global clients.
Paul Chang, BEN’s CEO, views the acquisition as a pivotal step toward a future where interactive advertising creates deeper consumer engagement. According to Chang, combining BEN’s scalable generative AI platform with Cataneo’s ad management tools has the potential to transform the industry by fostering more personalized and meaningful online interactions. Cataneo’s CEO, Renato Rocha Pinto, echoes this sentiment, highlighting the advantages the merger will bring to their global clientele.
Following the acquisition, Cataneo will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of BEN, with Rocha Pinto continuing in his role as CEO. While Cataneo will maintain independent service for its existing clients, the company will also work closely with BEN to incorporate AI into its internal operations and expand customer tools. Post-acquisition, Cataneo has plans to grow its footprint in the US and Latin America, opening up new markets and opportunities.
The anticipated acquisition of Cataneo by BEN marks a significant milestone as both companies prepare to leverage their combined strengths in an increasingly digital and AI-driven media landscape. With a closing expected by the end of 2024, contingent upon financing arrangements and regulatory approvals, this partnership is set to enable both companies to capitalize on growing trends in brand engagement and digital interaction.
BEN’s generative AI capabilities, which power highly interactive and personalized consumer experiences, will complement Cataneo’s robust media management tools. By integrating AI into Cataneo’s Mydas platform, the partnership will enhance the platform’s ability to drive real-time engagement, streamline ad operations, and elevate client revenue potential across a broad spectrum of media brands worldwide.
As Cataneo transitions to operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of BEN, the collaboration will also facilitate Cataneo’s planned expansion into the U.S. and Latin American markets. This expanded reach, supported by BEN’s cutting-edge AI solutions, underscores the companies’ shared vision for the future of digital media and brand interaction, where consumers are actively engaged rather than passively marketed to. Together, BEN and Cataneo are positioned to drive meaningful advancements in interactive advertising, paving the way for deeper, more impactful consumer relationships and reshaping the standard for digital engagement in media and advertising.