Publicis Groupe said today it had acquired 100% ownership of a joint venture formed three years ago among Publicis Sapient, Elder Research and Tquila.  

Terms were not disclosed.  

The venture, called Publicis Sapient AI Labs, focuses on artificial intelligence research and development.  

Publicis Sapient AI Labs will become part of digital transformation unit Publicis Sapient. The transaction is designed to further strengthen the operation’s data & AI capabilities and enable the company to develop applications such as generative AI, natural language processing (NLP), computer vision and autonomous systems. 

“The acquisition of Publicis Sapient AI Labs reinforces our continued investment in innovation, as well as our commitment to staying ahead of the AI curve,” said Arthur Sadoun, Chairman and CEO of Publicis Groupe. “Through its bolstered digital business transformation services, Publicis Sapient will help clients identify critical challenges and issues that AI and data science can solve to deliver world-class innovation.”