We Are Social Acquires Socialize
The move, which is subject to regulatory approval, is We Are Social’s first acquisition, and extends its network to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) for the first time.
We Are Social will now have 11 offices across nine countries, bringing its employee count to over 700.
This is the first step in a strategy to further accelerate We Are Social’s rapid growth with key acquisitions around the world.
The partnership will give its global clients exceptional insight and access to the fast-growing MENA market.
Socialize, based in Dubai with a diverse team of over 40 people, is renowned for its award-winning strategic and creative work for a large regional client base, including Sony, General Mills, GEMS Education, Mercedes-Benz, Bioderma and Singapore Tourism.
Socialize will continue operating as an independent brand under the leadership of Akanksha Goel, founder and managing director, while taking advantage of We Are Social’s global infrastructure and agency ecosystem.
We Are Social was founded by Robin Grant and Nathan McDonald in 2008 and celebrates its tenth anniversary this year.
It has offices in New York, London, Paris, Milan, Munich, Berlin, Singapore, Shanghai, Beijing and Sydney.
We Are Social became part of BlueFocus Communication Group in 2014.
We Are Social chairman and co-founder Robin Grant said, “We’re incredibly excited to be welcoming Akanksha and the rest of the Socialize team to the We Are Social family.
“They’re kindred spirits who share our creative culture and passion for social. As one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic regions in the world, the Middle East is absolutely crucial for our global clients and having Socialize as part of our network has fulfilled a long-held ambition.”
Socialize founder and MD Akanksha Goel said, “We Are Social’s entrepreneurial spirit and future-focussed offering makes it the perfect strategic fit for Socialize.
“We’re looking forward to joining forces with a network that is so like us from both a cultural and working practice perspective, a forward-thinking partner who shares our vision of the future and a global ecosystem that allows us to deliver greater value to our clients.”
The transaction is subject to regulatory approval from the relevant UAE authorities, which is expected to be received within the next few weeks.
We Are Social was advised by Helion Partners and Osborne Clarke, and Socialize by R&D Venture Partners and Addleshaw Goddard.
Please login with linkedin to comment
We Are SocialLatest News
Study: 51% Of Aussie Professionals Don’t Feel Safe Returning To The Office
Just over half (51 per cent) of professionals who have been working remotely do not yet feel safe and happy to return to their co-located workplace, according to a survey of more than 3,000 working professionals by recruiting experts Hays. Of these, Western Australians are the most confident, with 73 per cent of those who […]
Bendigo TAFE And Kangan Institute Launch Latest Advertising Campaign – Our Heroes
Bendigo TAFE and Kangan Institute have launched their latest advertising campaign titled, Our Heroes, which is a celebration of the role their students play in the community. “Within a few short years, our students are building our houses, nursing our sick, fixing our cars, caring for our children and pets, designing our clothes – all […]
“F@ckwit Keyboard Warriors!” Roxy Slams Trollers After Abrupt SAS Australia Exit
Roxy's quit SAS Australia after just one episode. Now this wouldn't have happened had Schapelle brought the hooch.
Big W Partners With Pinterest To Launch Spring Collections Campaign
The towels and bathmats in the B&T loos are all from Big W. Admittedly, we haven't updated them from 1981, however.
Snapchat New Lens Studio In Time For The iPhone 12
You may not think it by reading this, but B&T's tech writer doesn't have asthma & still lives at home with his parents.
“Goon Couture!” Kmart Unveils $25 Handbag With Secret Booze Dispenser
B&T's predicting this booze bag'll be the must-have fashion item of the summer! And cirrhosis, by the sounds of things.
“Hugging”, “Sunlight” & “Self-Love” Could Work As COVID-19 Vaccine, According To Celebrity Chef Pete Evans
Crazy Pete returns with new "hugging, sunlight & self-love" COVID cure. Just don't try it with strangers on trains.
“We Stuffed Up!” Daily Tele Apologises For Publishing Dally M Winner Three Hours Early
On a positive note, publishing winners' names early does allow more time to write far better acceptance speeches.
Land Rover Announced As Major Sponsor Of Seven’s SAS Australia
Land Rover announced as major sponsor of SAS Australia. Apparently, the Nissan Micra was rejected by management.
Monday TV Wrap: Seven’s New Military Show SAS Australia A Surprise Hit
By all the reports out today, SAS Australia's got car crash written all over it. That typically ensures big numbers.
“Yippee Ki Yay!” Bruce Willis Reprises Die Hard Role For Violence-Packed Battery Ad
This ad's awash with violence, explosions & rampant machismo. Typically, big no-nos of any 2020 agency creative.
Nocturnal Passions Fuel Edgy New Spot For Hyundai Via AnalogFolk Sydney
This car spot promises "dream-like sequences, deconstructed nursery rhymes and rap". Don't say you've not been warned.
GroupM Australia Chief Investment Officer Nicola Lewis Promoted To Global Finecast Role
Nicola Lewis promoted to global chief growth officer of Finecast. Sadly, no news yet on any celebratory morning tea.
OMD Wins UnLtd Cup In 9th Annual Futsal Tournament
B&T's not entirely across the game of futsal but understands there's no jousting over pits of venomous adders.
H&M Launches Shop Online In Australia From Today
H&M's unveiled its new online store, meaning you can conveniently shop at home before it falls apart after two washes.
Gillette Presents “Look Like The Man You Really Are” By Marcel
Were you last in the class in Year Nine French? Suffer awful flashbacks with this work out of “les Français”.
Cannes Lions Announces New Home Of Creativity: LIONS
Cannes Lions announces its new master brand, LIONS. Apparently, people from Cannes are a little peeved at being ignored.
Val Morgan Digital Expands Team With Four New Hires
See who's been a little lazy in dusting their skirting boards with this four-pronged Zoom press photo.
KITKAT Unveils 85th Global Birthday Campaign Via Wunderman Thompson
When the B&T office needs a 3pm sugar hit, we nick off to the pub. We've actually never considered the KITKAT.
Splendid Promotes Mel Johnstone To Partner And Expands To The UK
Following a period of sustained growth and client wins, B2B technology marketing consultancy, Splendid Suggestions, has laid some solid foundations to support the business through the next phase of growth. Off the back of a number of organic referrals from Australian–based clients sharing success with global counterparts, Splendid has recently appointed London-based Jess Littlewood (right, pictured), to lead the UK business and grow the new regional team. Of the appointment, Tim Sands, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Splendid says “Jess […]
TikTok Appoints VMG Digital As Global Creative Marketing Partner
VMG Digital, which creates bespoke, mobile-first video creative, optimised for social media platforms, today announces it has been appointed as a global Creative Marketing Partner for the TikTok Marketing Partner Program. Since launch in August 2020, the TikTok Marketing Partner Program gives brand marketers access to tools to create, measure and optimise ad campaigns on […]
Mediasmiths Appoints Natalie Murray As New Senior Account Planner/Buyer
Independent media agency MediaSmiths today announced the appointment of senior media executive and former insights lead for independent agencies and direct clients at Nova Entertainment, Natalie Murray, as a new Senior Account Planner/Buyer. Murray will be responsible for end-to-end management, planning and buying for several of the agency’s key clients, ensuring outcomes are delivered. She […]
Playground xyz And Are Media Win Inaugural IAB MeasureUp Awards
IAB Australia today announced Playground xyz and Are Media (formerly Bauer Media) as the winners of its inaugural IAB Australia MeasureUp Awards. Selected by the members of the MFA Interactive Committee, the winners will present their research during the 4th Annual MeasureUp conference which begins today. Playground xyz was awarded Best Advertising Effectiveness for its […]
Stockland Partners With Jules Sebastian For Virtual Recipe Series
Stockland has partnered with Sydney-based presenter, stylist and author Jules Sebastian on a six-part Instagram TV recipe series – with episodes released monthly – in an effort to inspire customers to create healthy, easy-to-make meals from their kitchens at home. The series kicked off this month with an online demonstration from Jules on making the […]
H&R Block Sends Aussies Off To Sleep With ‘Taxation Relaxation’ Voice Experience Via The Works
If you find doing your tax return boring, it could be argued you're not trying to cheat and defraud the ATO enough.
Cbus Super Unveils New Work Via The Shannon Company
You don't really need to worry about your super until about 45. And then you need to really shit yourself about it.
Asian Youth Culture Agency PUSH Opens Sydney Office
The Shanghai-born and Australian-owned creative agency, PUSH announces today the launch of their fourth creative studio in Sydney, Australia. PUSH are the leaders of culture-shaping content with a focus on Asian youth culture, skateboarding, music, fashion and gaming.
Streem Inks New Deal With The Copyright Agency
Streem has inked a new deal with the Copyright Agency. Sadly, it wasn't a blood pact with cuts to peoples' fingers.
Women in Media’s Clare Alstin & Catherine Stone: “Step Outside Your Comfort Zone & Get Dirty”
It's not one but two interviews in today's Women In Media profiles. It's the editorial equivalent of free garlic bread.
Aceik Recognised With Platinum Sitecore Implementation Partner Status
If B&T actually had a star rating for headline readability even we'd only give this one a half. Possibly a one.
