Omagh marketing agency agrees deal to sell to Granite Digital in cross-border deal

AN Omagh marketing agency has agreed a deal to sell to Ireland’s largest independent digital marketing group in a landmark cross-border deal, announced as the New York Stock Exchange turned green to mark St Patrick’s Day.

Creative Media, owned by Omagh entrepreneur Marcus Isherwood, has agreed a deal with Granite Digital – a Cork-based agency with over 200 employees and offices in Ireland, New York and Dubai.

Granite’s clients include Zoom, Sysco, Stryker, Iron Mountain, Aer Lingus, Tesco and the MET.

Combining Granite’s digital capability with Creative Media’s performance marketing expertise, the deal targets $40 million in revenues by 2027, with North America accounting for half of overall revenues.

It marks a significant step in the Omagh agency’s evolution – having expanded significantly since 2020. With an international team of more than 40 specialists,

Creative Media exports 65 per cent of its services to North America and also has client portfolios in France, Germany, Sweden, Australia and Argentina.

The full team will remain in place following the acquisition, with founder Marcus Isherwood joining Granite as chief revenue officer alongside CEO, Conor Buckley, chief commercial officer, Rob Carpenter, and recently-appointed US based non-Executive chair, Joy Marcus.

The news was officially announced at Ireland House in Manhattan last week.

Welcoming the announcement, Economy Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald, said: “This acquisition of Creative Media by Granite Digital is an important endorsement of the innovation and talent that exists within our digital sector.

"It also underlines the importance of regional balance in our economy, with Creative Media’s success showing the global potential of businesses rooted outside Belfast.

"Their significant growth in North America reflects the value of support provided through Invest NI’s trade missions and export programmes.

"This announcement is a powerful example of what our homegrown companies can achieve on the international stage.”

Creative Media CEO, Marcus Isherwood, said: “After more than two decades building Creative Media, joining Granite Digital feels like the natural next step in our journey.

“We’ve built a fantastic international team, with a strong global client base, particularly in North America. Granite shares our focus on measurable results and international growth, so the commercial and cultural fit feels right.

“This partnership allows us to continue growing while creating even more opportunities for our team and our clients.”

Conor Buckley, CEO of Granite and EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 finalist, added: "North America has always been central to our growth strategy.

"The Creative Media agreed acquisition, Marcus's appointment, and the team we're building in the US are all part of a deliberate plan to bring Granite's model to the world’s largest digital market.”

“From day one we were impressed with what Marcus and the team have built.

"Their significant client base in North America and international team is a perfect fit for Granite Digital.”

“We've proven this works in Europe and the Middle East, and we’re actively pursuing acquisitions in North America to deepen our capabilities and accelerate our growth."