TBWA plans up to six acquisitions

by Herman Manson (@marklives) TBWA is looking at as many as six more acquisitions spread out over the next four quarters, says Derek Bouwer, ‎CEO at TBWA\South Africa. At the end of 2013, TBWA acquired 80% stake in youth marketing agency, HDI Youth Marketeers. It also increased its stake in marketing agency Openco to 51% from a previous holding of 30%.

M&A spree even as new ownership rules loom

by Herman Manson (@marklives) The South African ad industry has recently seen a series of takeovers and mergers of high-profile independent agencies by global communications networks — WPP and Publicis, specifically — thanks to accelerated interest in the African comms landscape and a cheap rand. Some independents are worried by the Competition Commission’s seeming lack of concern regarding this acquisition spree and the increased local-market dominance.

Publicis buys digital agency Synergize, integrates it with Saatchi & Saatchi

by Herman Manson (@marklives) Publicis is buying out digital agency Synergize and launching a new unit within Saatchi & Saatchi South Africa, called Saatchi & Saatchi Synergize. AtPlay, the digital division of Saatchi & Saatchi, will be integrated into the new agency.

Letter from NY: Agency giants vs Davids — shareholders vs principles?

by Matthew Bull (@StixBull) “Stumbling around like drunks”. These were the words Lord Dan Weiden used last week at the AdAge small agency conference whilst describing today’s advertising holding companies. Little did we know that less than 48 hours later, two of the biggest drunks – to continue the metaphor – would stumble smack bang into each other and end up in bed.

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