Core Optimisation acquires ClearStory to supercharge global expansion

Irish digital marketing agency Core Optimisation has today announced the acquisition of international PR agency, ClearStory. The acquisition forms part of a broader €500,000 investment in expanding its operations to North America and the United Arab Emirates. 

Founded in 2015 by Caroline Dunlea and David Brett, Core Optimisation began its international expansion with the UK market and is now positioning itself to expand into North America and MENA markets. The acquisition of ClearStory International will accelerate this growth by integrating ClearStory’s tech, finance, defence and hospitality-focused PR client base and expanding Core's capabilities as a truly integrated digital marketing and PR consultancy agency.

ClearStory International was founded by James McCann in 2017 as an international PR agency specialising in reputation building for emerging and scaling brands. The agency has since expanded its client base across the tech, finance and defence sectors to include Techstars, the Asian Development Bank, Dynasafe, CoinDesk, and Riskline. 

Core Optimisation currently provides digital marketing services including SEO, PPC, paid social, data analytics and digital strategic consultancy. With more than 70 clients spanning a wide range of industries,

According to Caroline Dunlea, co-founder of Core Optimisation, the acquisition strengthens the company's global capabilities and enhances its ability to offer a fully integrated digital marketing and PR service.

“As we are in the AI era, brands need cohesive, data-led narratives across every channel, and our clients are increasingly seeking partners who can anticipate and respond to their evolving needs.

By combining ClearStory's strategic communications expertise with our digital performance capabilities, we're positioning ourselves closer to our clients' strategic objectives by delivering integrated, insight-driven campaigns that drive meaningful growth and truly move the needle.”

Commenting on the acquisition, the CEO of ClearStory International, James McCann, said:

“Over the past eight years, we’ve had the privilege of working with more than 200 clients across 25 countries, helping them navigate some of the world’s most complex media markets.

We’re now excited to bring our deep expertise in international storytelling and reputation building to Core Optimisation, as we pursue a shared ambition to build a world-renowned, Irish-owned agency.”