LONDON — Pan-European PR technology Tyto has made its first acquisition since it was founded five years ago, buying PR and integrated communications agency CubanEight outright.

CubanEight founder Sian Gaskell, who previously worked with Tyto founder Brendon Craigie when they were both at Hotwire, becomes senior partner and head of integrated communications at the newly-expanded Tyto. 

The acquisition of seven-strong agency CubanEight, which works with fast-growing technology companies across Europe including data security firm Immuta and communications platform MessageBird, grows Tyto’s team to 60 people in the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands. Tyto's existing clients including contractors' platform Remote and business management software firm Coupa.

Tyto has already invested in the creation of a digital marketing hub with specialists in data, insights, design and social as well as its PR, content, influencer, and media teams. The acquisition of CubanEight adds experience in social and paid media campaigns, SEO, demand generation programmes and video content.

Gaskell said: “I am extremely proud of all that we have achieved as CubanEight over the past 13 years and being able to bring the CubanEight team and clients into Tyto is an exciting next chapter. Tyto has been on an amazing trajectory since day one and I am looking forward to the opportunity of working with Brendon again.

“There is a tremendous amount of synergy with Tyto – culture, approach, clients, and ambition – that makes it a great fit. Bringing CubanEight’s integrated comms experience and combining that with Tyto’s scale and footprint across Europe will benefit existing clients, enhances Tyto’s compelling proposition, and meets the needs of what comms leaders look for today in an agency partner – strategic PR and comms that grows brands, builds an audience, and supports growth.”

Craigie added: “Sian’s one of the most complete communicators I’ve ever had the opportunity to work alongside. I’m thrilled we can add her experience to our management team as well as her broader group of award-winning consultants. We can’t wait to collaborate on clients and bring the very best of our combined teams skillsets to bear.”

Tyto has grown revenues by over 50% every year since its inception and currently has annual income of £5 million. In September this year, the agency made a number of senior appointments and promotions as part of its plans to scale up across Europe.