Attivo Group has acquired from IPG two North American full service creative agencies, Hill Holliday and Deutsch New York (DNY).
Commercial details of the group’s first push into the US haven’t been announced.
The New Zealand group, with a longstanding relationship with IPG, recently acquired IPG’s Australia’s 303 MullenLowe and in 2021 invested in Mediahub Australia.
Attivo, launched in 2020, also owns Harvey Cameron, Farrimond, Gorilla Studios, Rhubarb Lane and Rainmakers.
Sue Squillace was in March hired in the new role of CEO of media, ANZ, for Attivo.
The latest acquisitions will continue to operate with current leadership and brands, and maintain an affiliate relationship with IPG.
“Both are world-class agencies with amazing pedigrees that have made a tremendously positive impact on the communications landscape in the US,” says Attivo Group CEO Cam Murchison.
“Both agencies have many iconic brands with decades-long relationships as testament to their singular focus on client success.
“The outstanding leaders at both agencies have a strong desire to further grow their businesses and share Attivo’s entrepreneurial spirit and challenger mindset.
“As we plan for the future, the dynamic business landscape our clients are competing in gives us a unique opportunity to think differently, to expand the breadth and depth of our capabilities, continuing to help our clients succeed in more ways, and continuing the legacy of these businesses.”
Philippe Krakowsky, CEO of IPG, says Attivo is a trusted partner.
“Since 2020, Deutsch LA and DNY have been operating as separate brands and businesses, so this particular move as relates to DNY is a natural progression in that process, as Deutsch LA continues to be one of IPG’s wholly-owned creative agencies, and we’ll support their ongoing evolution and growth,” Krakowsky says.
Hill Holliday CEO Chris Wallrapp, says the agency was founded by four bold-thinking, ground breaking entrepreneurs.
“Today, we embody their spirit and mindset as the agency embarks on a new chapter in our 55-year legacy of building iconic brands,” he says.
“Attivo’s investment in Hill Holliday’s future gives our agency and employees tools to innovate, unique flexibility in how we grow our business and strategic advantages for our clients.
“At a time of uncertainty for many well-known agency brands, this move is also a strong vote of confidence in the power and endurance of the Hill Holliday name.”
Deutsch New York CEO Val DiFebo says the agency has always been an agency that zigs when others zag.
“The pendulum is starting to swing, where more nimble, entrepreneurial, scrappy agencies are highly attractive and productive for both the fast pace of commerce, and brands’ needs today,” says DiFebo .
“We are so excited that our ‘hands on hustle’ mantra is compatible with Cam’s leadership approach and his refreshing business philosophy.
“We see this as the best of both worlds as we become part of a new start-up, and still maintain our association with IPG, now as an affiliate.”
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