Montreal-based holding company Avenir Global has acquired Marker Collective, the parent company of PR agency Archetype from Next 15 Group.
Archetype’s sister agencies, Nectar and Outcast and media intelligence platform Delve are also included in the deal.
The acquisition will bring Marker Collective’s 650 employees and 20 offices across United States, the United Kingdom, continental Europe, and Asia-Pacific to Avenir Global. Following the acquisition, Avenir now has more than 1,500 employees worldwide.
Avenir Global said that each of Marker’s agencies will maintain their own expertise and client relationships while benefiting from shared resources and technology.
Avenir Global’s network includes NATIONAL Public Relations, Padilla, SHIFT Communications, Hanover, Madano, AXON and Cherry.
The holding company added that it sees an opportunity for Delve to become a shared technology platform across its agencies, supporting client service, campaign measurement, and more efficient workflows.
“What attracted us to Marker was the quality of its people, the strength of its agencies, the relationships it has built with some of the world’s leading technology companies, and the technology they have developed,” said Jean-Pierre Vasseur, president and CEO of Avenir Global.
“We believe in the value of communications and advisory firms that help organizations earn trust, strengthen their reputations and navigate change, particularly where science, technology, health, policy and capital intersect. Marker fits well with that approach. In our 50th anniversary year, this acquisition represents another important step in our international growth. We look forward to supporting Marker’s continued success as part of Avenir Global.”
“Today’s announcement is a strong vote of confidence in our people, our clients, and the model we have been building – distinct agencies with strong points of view, connected by shared intelligence and technology,” said Helena Maus, CEO of Marker Collective. “Avenir Global is an excellent home for us, given its confidence in making a long-term bet on communications, and that gives our people and clients confidence in what lies ahead.
“What makes Avenir Global such a good fit is its understanding of what makes specialist agencies successful. We share a belief in preserving what makes each agency different while giving our teams opportunities to collaborate and deliver success for clients across markets. Joining Avenir Global gives us a long-term partner that values what we have created. The next era of communications is being written now, and we are thrilled to write it with Avenir Global.”
Marker will continue to operate separately under Maus’ leadership. Archetype, Nectar, Outcast, and Delve will retain their distinct identities, leadership teams, cultures, and client focus. Day-to-day operations will continue as usual, and clients will continue working with their existing agency teams.
