Merchantwise Group continues its bold expansion with the acquisition of social media and influencer marketing agencies The Social CliQ and The Content CliQ, reinforcing its position as an innovative, full-service brand management, marketing, and media agency.

With a team of more than 70 across Australia and a growing presence in Europe and China, the Merchantwise Group has seen revenue growth of over 300% in the past five years.

Today, its Brand Management division – comprising Merchantwise and Asembl – is the largest independent licensing agency in Australia and New Zealand, representing some of the world’s most iconic gaming, entertainment, FMCG, and lifestyle brands. These include Minecraft, Sonic the Hedgehog, Xbox, Call of Duty, Peppa Pig, The Beatles, Violet Crumble, Golden Gaytime, Chupa Chups, Bundaberg Rum, and Rip Curl.

Merchantwise Group’s strategic expansion has been marked by key acquisitions, including RQMedia in 2022, its flagship performance media and marketing business. RQMedia, which integrates former acquisitions Impulse Screen Media, Inc Digital Media, and SmartMail, supports over 100 client brands across retail, eCommerce, travel, and consumer services. Managing over $60M in media spend, it delivers an average 12x return on advertising spend for major brands such as Fiji Airways, Disneyland Paris, The North Face, Speedo, Healthy Life, Cotton On Group, and Fairhaven Homes.

The acquisition of The Social CliQ and The Content CliQ will place Merchantwise Group at the forefront of social media, user-generated content and influencer marketing. These businesses were founded and led by 29-year-old Managing Director Talia Datt (Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2022).

At the age of just 22, Talia launched The Social CliQ to introduce a fresh, strategic approach to social media marketing. Since then, it has worked with over 300 brands, from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies, with a focus on rapid organic content development for platforms including TikTok and Meta. Three years later, she launched The Content CliQ, a platform that connects brands to over 3,000 creators and influencers worldwide.

Talia will continue as Managing Director of both businesses while progressively taking on a broader marketing leadership role across the Merchantwise Group.

Alan Schauder Group CEO of Merchantwise Group said, “We are delighted to welcome The Social CliQ and The Content CliQ into the Merchantwise Group family. Talia Datt is a visionary marketer who is making waves in the industry. Her dynamic team is at the forefront of strategic social media and influencer marketing in Australia, and their talents will enhance our Group’s ability to drive brand growth and deliver superior returns for our clients. Looking ahead, Merchantwise Group will continue to innovate and expand its presence in Australia and globally through a combination of organic growth and strategic acquisitions,”.

Talia Datt Founder and Managing Director of The Social CliQ and The Content CliQ, said, “Since founding The Social CliQ and The Content CliQ, my mission has been to help brands build meaningful connections with their audiences through high-impact social media and influencer marketing. Joining forces with Merchantwise Group is an incredible milestone, and

our team couldn’t be more excited about the opportunities ahead. Merchantwise Group represents some of the world’s most iconic and beloved brands, and we’re thrilled to bring our expertise in social, content, and creator marketing to help these brands reach and engage their audiences in new and innovative ways. This partnership is a perfect fit, and we can’t wait to make big things happen together,”.

With this acquisition, the Merchantwise Group is set to redefine the future of brand marketing, combining cutting-edge digital strategies with world-class brand management. The journey is just beginning.

About Merchantwise Group
Merchantwise Group is a leading brand management, marketing and media agency headquartered in Melbourne Australia, with offices in Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, London, Shanghai and The Hague, with global service delivery capabilities. The group of six businesses combine licensing, creative marketing, and media capabilities to build and extend great brands.