AUCKLAND, Wednesday: It’s reported to be business as usual at MBM, following the formerly independent media agency’s purchase by Publicis Groupe ANZ.
All staff have been retained – along with all branding and services. MBM will continue to operate business as usual across its existing offices, led by its three managing partners – Matt Bale (Wellington) and Sean McCready & Alysha Delany (Auckland).
But – ultimately – the multinational giant will be calling the shots, with the NZ management reporting directly to Sydney-based Publicis chiefs Toby Barbour and Michael Rebelo (who says the NZ managing partners “will work collaboratively” with Publicis Media NZ ceo Alistair Jamison.
Rebelo 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.
“The acquisition of MBM is the first in a series of investments we will be making.”
“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 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 a joint statement (distributed by Saatchi & Saatchi PR) said: “We are excited to join the Publicis Media Groupe 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.”
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