Cork's Granite Digital continues expansion with acquisition of Dublin's Wondr

Annual revenues forecast to grow to more than €16m this year following acquisition of digital design agency

Conor Buckley, CEO of Granite and Dermot O’Shea, founder and managing director of Wondr.

Cork technology and digital marketing services firm Granite Digital is forecasting its annual revenues will grow to more than €16m this year following the acquisition of digital design agency Wondr.

The latest acquisition by the company will expand Granite's international reach, adding more than 30 clients from across Ireland, the UK and the Middle East. The firm last year established an office in New York.

Based in Dublin's Temple Bar, Wondr was founded in 2014 by Dermot O'Shea as a digital design agency specialising in strategy, user experience design, digital branding and enterprise solutions. 

Its clients include ESB, An Post, DCCI, 11Onze, Agthia, Perrett Laver and the Independent Pharmacy.

Financial details of the deal have not been disclosed. Following the acquisition, Dermot O’Shea will join Granite as a business partner focusing on innovation in design and enhancing business growth. He has experience working with clients including Fáilte Ireland, Google, KBC, Vodafone, National Lottery and the GAA.

Wondr is the latest in a growing list of acquisitions by Conor Buckley's Granite. Recent deals have seen the Lapp's Quay firm acquire Armour, Continuum, Willows Consulting, Connector, MediaOne and New York-based LCM Granite. 

With the addition of Wondr, Granite's headcount will grow to 140.

Conor Buckley said this latest acquisition would lay a foundation for future innovations and growth. "Wondr's impressive track record, helping clients generate over €500m in additional client revenue, underscores our shared commitment to growth and innovation," he said. 

"This partnership elevates our offering, bringing cutting-edge and trendsetting design solutions to our clients. Together, we're set to accelerate customer growth both in Ireland and internationally."

Dermot O’Shea, founder and managing director of Wondr said: "Joining forces with Granite marks a significant leap in our growth journey. It allows us to redefine digital transformation, by seamlessly blending our creative strengths and technological expertise. With the added skills and experiences from the Granite team, we look forward to combining our abilities to provide exceptional value to our clients worldwide.”

Speaking in a recent episode of the Irish Examiner's ieBusiness Podcast, Conor Buckley said it was the goal of Granite to grow to a mid-sized company that is generating about €50m in turnover a year.