Independent agency Match Media sold to Publicis Group to be part of Blue 449 network
John Preston (l) and James Simmons (r)
The Publicis Group has bought one of Australia’s most successful independent media agencies Match Media to be part of ZenithOptimedia Group’s newly launched global media network, Blue 449.
CEO and founder John Preston said they had decided to sell the successful Sydney-based agency to a multinational after 12-years of independence to beef up its data and technology access.
He said: “The rapidly changing world of data and technology has motivated us to explore potential partners that will allow us to provide our clients access to the latest technology and a suite of world class platforms and tools.
“The challenge was finding a partner who could supercharge our existing offering but also had a kindred spirit.”
Match Media was founded in 2003 by John Preston, CEO and in its 12 years have picked up a string of awards and major clients including Pfizer, Masters and Ikea, regularly taking on the multinational brands in the market.
Mumbrella understands that Match will keeps its separate management team – which includes partners James Simmons and Ian Czencz – offices and, for the moment, its separate brand.
Publicis appears to be following a similar strategy to the one it pursued in the UK acquiring independent agency Walker Media, in an attempt to build up the Blue 449 network globally.
Following the acquisition Match Media’s leadership will report directly to Gerry Boyle, global managing partner/APAC chairman, ZenithOptimedia Asia Pacific.
In a statement Boyle said: “Blue 449 is a new global network comprised of like-minded entrepreneurs who are embracing technology and data as a means to delivering growth for clients.
“As a progressive digitally focused agency, Match Media is the perfect fit and we are pleased to announce their addition to the Blue 449 network.”
Nic Christensen
