DDB SPARKS NEW YEAR SHAKE-UP OF DIRECT MARKETING SCENE

DDB has announced the acquisition of one of New Zealand’s leading relationship marketing specialist consultancies in a move which looks set to re-shape the country’s direct marketing landscape, while growing DDB’s presence in Wellington.
The purchase of Limb Walker Partners, founded by Robert Limb and Lance Walker -- two of New Zealand’s most highly regarded direct and relationship marketing strategists -– will be fully backed by the resources of DDB.
To be re-branded Rapp Collins Limb Walker, the consultancy will be part of the DDB Group locally and Rapp Collins globally.
DDB New Zealand Group Managing Director Sharon Henderson described the acquisition as symbolic of the pace of DDB’s business drive for 2007 and a deliberate move by the Group to take it’s already award-winning direct marketing resource to a level that should lead the market.
At the DDB Group level, the move is an important strategic development which will see the DDB brand become a growing presence in Wellington and a national brand for New Zealand.
Marty O’Halloran, CEO and Chairman of DDB Australia and New Zealand explained the strategy behind the acquisition: “The establishment of Rapp Collins Limb Walker is part of a wider strategy of the DDB Group to offer the number one direct marketing agency network across both markets. Rapp Collins is already the top-rated agency in Australia and we consider it only a matter of time before Rapp Collins Limb Walker achieves the same success in New Zealand.”
Limb and Walker were Managing Directors of AIM Proximity, in the Auckland and Wellington offices respectively, before setting up their own consultancy in 2003. They will jointly head Rapp Collins Limb Walker, with Robert leading the Auckland team, and Lance leading the Wellington operation.