Customer and engagement solutions company Grass Roots has agreed to be acquired by California-based prepaid and payments global company Blackhawk Network Holdings. 

The acquisition is expected to enable Grass Roots to offer its clients a pan-global approach to their benefits, rewards and recognition packages through Blackhawk's global network.

Previously an affiliate of WPP, Grass Roots will operate as a subsidiary of Blackhawk. Matthew Howe and Jonathan Kenny, co-managing directors of Blackhawk's UK-based Europe operations, will lead European operations of Grass Roots. 

Stewart Rigby, MD, Blackhawk Asia Pacific, will lead the Asia-Pacific operations of Grass Roots.