Global professional services firm Accenture has announced it has acquired creative agency The Monkeys and design business Maud.
Accenture said in a statement that the move strengthens the customer experience capabilities of Accenture Interactive and demonstrates Accenture’s continuing investment in bringing new thinking, talent and innovation to clients across Australia and New Zealand.
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Based in Sydney, The Monkeys has a team of 130 employees and is behind breakthrough brand campaigns such as Telstra’s ‘Thrive On’, Meat and Livestock Australia’s ‘You Never Lamb Alone’ and, most recently, Qantas’ Dreamliner launch.
The Monkeys was also named Advertising Agency of The Year at last year’s B&T Awards.
The Monkeys’ Mark Green (CEO), Justin Drape (chief creative officer), Scott Nowell (chief creative officer) and David Park (Maud’s chief creative officer) will continue in their current roles and take on additional Accenture Interactive leadership positions to drive brand strategy and creativity in Australia and New Zealand.
“Customer experience is the new battleground and this acquisition will enable Accenture Interactive to integrate creative excellence with digital customer experience delivery,” said Brian Whipple, head of Accenture Interactive. “Together, we’re bringing our unique model to the market: part creative agency, part business consultancy, and part technology powerhouse – all focused on creating the best customer experiences on the planet.”
Michael Buckley, head of Accenture Interactive Australia and New Zealand, said: “For over a decade, The Monkeys has created provocative ideas that have redefined the industry and delivered innovative customer experiences.
“This acquisition further differentiates Accenture Interactive as a new breed of agency providing CMOs with innovative thinking and a new set of connected capabilities to win in today’s experience-led economy.”
Green said the combination of Accenture Interactive, The Monkeys and Maud is a great opportunity for their clients and teams.
“It will dramatically enhance our ability to connect brand strategy and creative all the way through to customer experience delivery,” he said.
“We look forward to offering clients an unrivalled and holistic customer experience offering.”
This is the twelfth acquisition Accenture Interactive has made since 2013 to expand the reach, scope, and depth of its end-to-end customer experience services globally.
Most recently, Accenture Interactive acquired Belgium-based integrated communications agency Kunstmaan. Other recent acquisitions have included Karmarama, SinnerSchrader, IMJ, AD.Dialeto, Pacific Link, Chaotic Moon and Melbourne-based Reactive.
