How much did Publicis acquire LiveRamp for? What percentage of UK digital advertising businesses are using AI? What figure is Meta's ad revenue projected to hit in 2026?

In this quiz edition of The MadTech Podcast, ExchangeWire's head of marketing is joined by John Still, head of content, and COO Lindsay Rowntree, with an all-time score of 3-0.

The first story this week is Publicis Groupe acquiring data collaboration platform LiveRamp. The team discusses what this means for the industry and the agentic opportunities it presents for the agency holding group. The second explores the pace of AI adoption in digital advertising, and the regulations needed alongside its rapid acceleration. Finally, they examine Meta’s ad revenue growth, which is projected to rise in 2026 before slowing in 2027, and the possible reasons behind those figures.

*Lindsay was referring to Meta’s Advantage+, not Automated+

Publicis acquires LiveRamp

Publicis Groupe has announced an agreement to acquire data collaboration platform LiveRamp in a $2.2 billion all-cash transaction. The agency holding group plans to use LiveRamp to accelerate "data co-creation". Publicis views this as essential for building smarter, agentic AI solutions for clients and expanding its overall addressable market.

Digital advertising leads in AI adoption

New research from IAB UK reveals digital advertising is leading in AI adoption, with 95% of businesses in the sector now using the technology. While just 16% of UK businesses overall report using AI, adoption in digital advertising has reached near-universal levels.  

The same research shows that 72% of digital advertising businesses have been using AI for at least a year, while 46% say it will be a priority area for investment over the next five years. The industry is also demonstrating a strong focus on responsible AI use, with AI governance and ethics frameworks already in place in 57% of businesses.

Meta's ad revenue on growth trajectory in 2026

According to WARC, Meta is on course to generate USD$240 billion in advertising revenue in 2026. Meta's advertising business grew 22% to USD$196 billion in 2025. It is projected to rise a further 22.3% this year, before slowing to 12.1% growth in 2027. Facebook is expected to account for 60% of ad revenue this year, with Instagram making up the remaining 40%.