Full service creation studio, Chimney Group, has merged with California-based content distribution and media solutions leader Vigor, positioning itself as a leader in the global content production and distribution industry.
The announcement comes as Chimney Australia, which is based in Sydney, has been appointed to produce a string of new creative work.
Vigor operates the biggest and most advanced content distribution network and monitoring system in the broadcast industry, managing the delivery of nearly 75 per cent of syndicated TV content in the US, with clients including giants CBS, Fox and Warner.
Founded in 1996 in Sweden, The Chimney Group has built its reputation as an innovative global creative studio with offices in four continents, using a unique mix of creativity and smart content management and distribution. Its client roster includes Netflix, Facebook, H&M, and Atlas Copco, among hundreds of others.
Operational from Spring 2019, with full implementation by March 2020, the new group to be called Chimney Vigor Group (CVG) will be one of the largest privately-owned content studios globally. CVG will employ nearly 500 people and will have offices in the USA, Europe and APAC.
Combining Vigor’s technology experience of managing masses of content, with Chimney’s communications creative solutions, CVG will be able to create, manage and distribute thousands of assets a month of content, expecting to double its revenue and client base in the coming years.
CVG CEO Henric Larsson (main photo) said: “Clients today typically seek hundreds of outputs for a single campaign, compared to just five years ago when they might have been able to get away with a 30-second spot and a handful of cut downs.
“Chimney and Vigor’s combined strengths place us as pioneers in the future of media, entertainment and brand solutions, catering to the key need for faster and more efficient brand development and management — combined with a strong base in creativity.”
Chimney’s Sydney business has enjoyed significant growth over recent months with a number of new business wins.
Chimney Australia partnered with Innocean Worldwide Europe to deliver the launch of Hyundai’s visionary all electric concept car “45” at the International Motorshow in Germany. Chimney were responsible for a suite of films including the “45” launch film.
Other wins include a TVC for swimming pool chemical manufacturer HyClor for its new ‘Own Your Summer’ campaign and social content creative for independent growers’ market Supabarn. In addition, Chimney will produce specialised video content for leading hospitality group Typsy; new social videos for national bike retailer 99 Bikes and a TVC for global animal health company Zoetis in conjunction with creative agency Orchard Health.
Lewis Hunt, managing director of Chimney Group APAC said: “This year is shaping up to be a highly successful year for us, demonstrating that great creative is at the heart of effective communication. We are solidly building our client base both in Australia and internationally by leveraging our global capabilities and local know-how.”
