This week’s roundup is packed with new partnerships, campaign launches, awards and acquisitions by local and global agencies.
Acceleration Community of Companies
Acceleration Community of Companies (ACC) has acquired Trailblaze, a boutique marketing communications agency specializing in cannabis and wellness brands. Founded in 2018 by Lisa Weser, former head of U.S. Marketing Communications at AB InBev, Trailblaze is a marketing communications agency for companies in the cannabis industry, as well as other CPG lifestyle brands and start-ups. Trailblaze will be a division of Advisory, ACC’s consultancy practice specializing in integrated marketing for brands and businesses.
Boston While Black
Boston While Black launched two new partnerships with Arnold Worldwide and Havas Boston Village. The partnerships provide BWB memberships to all Black employees at the agencies, connecting them to an expansive network of Black professionals. In turn, the agencies will support BWB with marketing services and resources to advance their efforts in the greater Boston community.
Clarity
Global communications and digital marketing agency Clarity acquired strategic communications and reputation management agency Sefiani. Located in Sydney, Australia, the acquisition aids Clarity in expanding into APAC.
Crimtan
Programmatic agency Crimtan opened a new European office in Gijon, Spain. The office is Crimtan’s 13th location and aids in its goal of expanding its services further in Europe.
Elvis
Elvis was chosen as the lead U.K. creative agency for Tate & Lyle Sugar’s iconic Lyle’s Golden Syrup brand. The agency will develop an integrated creative platform for the brand, aiming to drive relevance and recruit a new generation of consumers.
Far Communications
Far Communications was chosen to lead ongoing public relations strategy at trip planning platform nemo. The partnership aims to support an ambitious upcoming year for nemo, including more intuitive tech, transparent pricing and improved customer service.
Havas Group
Havas Group acquired HRZN, an emerging independent creative agency for social media and content in Germany. The acquisition strengthens Havas Group’s social media expertise and services.
Kantar
Kantar launched Vivvix, a new operationally independent brand within its portfolio, focused on syndicated competitive advertising intelligence across digital and traditional media. The new brand brings together Kantar’s expansive media coverage with Numerator’s robust advertising creative intelligence.
Luckie
Luckie was named digital agency of record for Jack’s Family Restaurants. The agency will lead digital brand strategy, develop creative for display, social and web and provide business intelligence to drive same-store sales and digital engagement.
M&C Saatchi
M&C Saatchi was chosen by The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to relaunch and reinvigorate its global brand. The agency will the lead the development of a new global brand platform, communications strategy, media strategy and creative campaign fro IELTS.
Manifest
International brand communications group, Manifest, launched a new studio in Los Angeles, California. The launch brings Manifest bi-coastal in the U.S., and as its sixth office overall, with international locations in London, Manchester, Stockholm and Melbourne.
Merkle
Merkle won a Greater Good Award for its work with Stop the Traffik, a human trafficking prevention charity. The award recognizes companies and organization helping to solve critical challenges within society.
Quiet Storm
Quiet Storm was selected by premium milkshake brand Shaken Udder as its agency of record. The partnership campaign will launch in the second half of this year, aiming to bring fun and positivity to the milkshake category.
Stagwell
Stagwell will be hosting a “Sport Beach,” an installation at this year’s Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. The beach installation is built for brands, platforms and athletes to tap into the cultural zeitgeist of sport and explore the power of fandom. The installation is being co-created alongside Cheerful Twentyfirst, Aeorema Communications’ brand experience agency.
The Kite Factory
The Kite Factory was selected as the media planning and buying agency for Skin + Me. The agency will world to help Skin + Me reach its target audience and unlock profitable subscription sign ups.
ValuesCo
ValuesCo, a Web3 startup powering community-driven rewards ecosystems for good, raised a $2.7 million seed round. The platform aims to enable a collaborative future for brands, creators and nonprofits to create social and environmental impact with their audiences.