Publicis Acquires New Zealand Indie Agency MBM

Publicis Groupe ANZ has announced it has acquired one New Zealand’s largest independent, full-service media agencies, MBM.

The agency has a national presence with offices in Auckland and Wellington, and over 80 employees. MBM will continue to operate business as usual across its existing offices, led by its three managing partners Matt Bale, based in Wellington; and Sean McCready and Alysha Delany based in Auckland. MBM will retain its branding and all services, with the managing partners working collaboratively with Alistair Jamison, CEO, Publicis Media New Zealand.

On the acquisition, Michael Rebelo, CEO of Publicis Groupe, ANZ said: “Our future success depends on our ability to adapt at pace – structurally as an organisation – and through the behaviours of our people. We were drawn to MBM because they clearly share this vision, having continuously evolved their offering to meet the needs of an ever-changing industry.

“New Zealand is an important growth market for the Groupe and the acquisition of MBM is the first in a series of investments we will be making in the region to further strengthen our existing brands and grow new capabilities here.”

MBM’s longstanding key clients include Trade Me, Z Energy, TSB, Whittaker’s, VTNZ, Fisher & Paykel and Goodman Fielder. Its recent new business wins have included Burger King and Tower.

The managing partners (in main photo) said in a joint statement: “We are excited to join the Publicis Media group as MBM continues building momentum and enters its next phase of business growth. We have invested significantly in our digital and analytics capabilities over the last few years, and we have a solid foundation of fantastic local clients.”

“This puts us in a great position to continue to grow into the future, with a commitment to bring success to our clients through the power of data-led communications. MBM will be led by our existing management team who remain committed to running the business for years to come.

“This new partnership combines MBM’s entrepreneurial spirit and highly talented team with the scale, resources and tools of a significant international agency group, to increase our focus around data-led communications.”

Toby Barbour, CEO, Publicis Media ANZ added: “MBM is an exciting agency with a data-centric and digitally-progressive approach that has proven to be its key differentiator and strength. I am delighted to welcome them to the Publicis Media family, further bolstering our presence in the New Zealand market. With offices in both Wellington and Auckland, the agency is well positioned to continue to grow relationships with a broad range of clients.”

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MBM Publicis Groupe