Publicis Groupe has announced the $3.7bn acquisition of US-based Sapient, as the company looks to accelerate its digital revenue growth following its failed merger with Omnicom.

The all-cash deal will see the creation of Publicis.Sapient, which it claims will be the “largest and most advanced” agency focused on digital transformation, omni-channel commerce, consulting and technology.

Sapient CEO and co-chairman Alan Herrick will join the group as chief executive of Publicis.Sapient, while co-founder Jerry Greenberg will become part of the Publicis Groupe Supervisory Board.

Sapient, which owns SapientNitro and whose clients include Fiat, Unilever and Coca-Cola, last year generated $1.36bn in revenues, making a profit of $85.9m. It employs 13,000 people across 37 global cities.

As a result of the deal, Publicis says digital will now account for the majority of its revenues, three years ahead of its previously started target of 2018.

Publicis Groupe CEO Maurice Lévy said: “Sapient is a ‘crown jewel,’ a one of a kind company born in the technology space with strengths in marketing, communications, consulting and omni-channel commerce, all of which are equally important to best help clients achieve their digital transformation.”

Sapient chief executive Herrick added: “The Sapient team has been on a 24-year journey building a company with the objective of creating significant impact for our clients and the industries in which they operate. With Publicis Groupe, we have found a partner that accelerates the level of transformation we can drive into the marketplace.”

WPP boss Sir Martin Sorrell was quick to criticise the acquisition, telling media outlets the deal is a reaction to Pubicis’ failed attempt to merge with Omnicom: “It looks like the behavior of a jilted lover. Christmas came early for Sapient shareholders.”