Microsoft buys PromoteIQ to help retailers build on-site ad programs

Dive Brief:

• Microsoft has acquired PromoteIQ, a startup that provides a vendor marketing and native ad platform for e-commerce retailers looking to build an advertising business on their sites, according to a blog post by PromoteIQ. Deal terms were not made public.
• Founded in 2012 as Spotfront with a SaaS solution called PromoteIQ, the newly acquired firm will become part of Microsoft Advertising and use its own name.
• PromoteIQ’s client list includes Kroger,…