Member Article

WRG acquires Canyon in continued expansion

WRG Creative Communication, the agency that managed the G20 Summit and the Papal Visit, has acquired live communication agency Canyon, as part of its strategy to build a world-leading creative agency.

Over the past two years, Manchester-based WRG has expanded its global reach across the U.K., mainland Europe, the U.S. and the Middle East. A year ago, leading private equity firm, LDC, invested £12 million in WRG to support a UK and international buy-and-build strategy that will include the opening of its first office in the Far East within the next 12 months.

The acquisition of Canyon, the first since the injection of capital, brings greater depth to WRG’s live communication expertise and strengthens its creative, film and logistics offering.

Formed in 2006, Canyon works alongside retail, hair & beauty, financial and automobile brands including P&G, Clarks International, DFS, ABF, Nationwide Building Society and Jaguar Land Rover. The boutique agency’s 20-strong team creates and produces experiences from product launches to media previews and employee engagement programmes.

Canyon will become integrated under the WRG umbrella and Managing Director, Jonathan Boyne, will become a Director of WRG.

WRG was formed in 2007 through the merger of With and Reflex Communications and employs over 140 people across its five locations. WRG, which specialises in live, brand and healthcare communication, managed the G20 London Summit in 2009 and the Papal Visit to the U.K in 2010.

Barry Day, Chief Executive Officer at WRG, said: “By acquiring such a highly respected agency we’re demonstrating our commitment to becoming the leading partner to global brands in the field of live communication.

“Both companies have an outstanding reputation in the European market and rank among the most innovative agencies. We have a shared commitment to creativity and an enviable record of successful delivery.

“The strength of our combined talents gives us enormous power to further expand both our suite of services and our geographical reach over the next 12 months.”

Jonathan Boyne, Managing Director of Canyon, added: “Our robust approach to strategic communication, based on deep commercial and market understanding, has made us a trusted partner to blue chip organisations across Europe. By becoming part of WRG we now have a truly global reach and greater strength in depth.

“This is an exciting opportunity both for our combined teams and clients. We’re looking forward to being part of WRG’s future growth story.”

http://www.wrg.uk.com/

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Rick Guttridge .