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Hardie Grant Media acquires video production company Sherpa

Media and content agency Hardie Grant Media has pushed into video by acquiring production house Sherpa.

From left: Nick Hardie-Grant, Andrew Coyle, Trevor Holcomb and Kate Thompson

Hardie Grant Media said it had taken a majority share of the self-described motion content company, although declined to specify the cost of the acquisition and the percentage taken.

Specialising in in live action and animated video for online platforms, Sherpa will continue under the leadership of managing director Andrew Coyle and will form part of the Hardie Grant Media group.

Founded in Melbourne, Sherpa currently has four members of staff – although one will depart the business post-acquisition – and six film directors on the roster. Following the merger, the company plans to expand into Sydney.

Sherpa had previously worked for Hardie Grant Media on a number of projects for the past two years.

In a statement, agency MD Nick Hardie-Grant said it was time to make the relationship “more permanent”.

“The growing scope of content marketing agencies means there’s a lot of opportunity out there to play a more important role in our clients’ marketing mix,” he said.

“Video has been the most obvious extension for us for a while now and we’re looking forward to working more closely with the Sherpa team. We’re both committed to creating quality content that gets results, and culturally share a lot of characteristics too.”

Coyle added: “Hardie Grant Media’s hunger to tell stories and be innovative in a crowded media landscape drew strong parallels with us – it’s never been more important to make emotive connections between brands and their audiences.

“Sherpa has always been agile, independent and allowed our customers direct access to the best creative minds. Our partnership builds on this approach and opens up more opportunity globally.”

Hardie Grant’s efforts to diversify its business come one year after the elevation of Nick Hardie-Grant from chief digital officer to MD after replacing his mother and agency founder Fiona Hardie-Grant.

One year later, the agency launched its own public relations and events arm Tide.pr, which is being run by former national communications director at David Jones, Madeleine Wilson.

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