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.
13 Comments:
Yawn.
3:07 pm NZDT
"...to take it's already award-winning direct marketing resource..."
Mmm. The apostrophe does not inspire confidence.
3:16 pm NZDT
It will re-shape the whole country's direct marketing landscape? Talk about making something into a bigger deal than it really is.
Cares.
6:36 pm NZDT
So how long do we give WRC?
11:49 am NZDT
The new Rapp Collins.. well, it doesn't have that WOW factor.
12:58 pm NZDT
Guys, don't be so cynical. The breathless, gushing tone of DDB's press releases is some of the most entertaining advertising writing around these days. I think we should be told who the wordsmith is. (Bridget?)
8:28 pm NZDT
"...reshape the landscape..."
Finally! Some truth in advertising.
This was a molehill. Now it's a mountain.
3:29 pm NZDT
Anyone got any jobs going for a creative director. Nige
2:31 pm NZDT
11.49
Just because they've had to buy another agency to do the DM work that WRC had problems cracking. It's a bit quick to say bye bye. I hear even the MD is leaving the sinking ship.
2:37 pm NZDT
Oh, how are the mighty fallen. DDB to lil' Richard Bleasdale: where are you when we need you?
10:36 pm NZDT
I'd say that was bad planning by the MD and at least the CD found a new job doing PR. Not so WOW any more
10:10 am NZDT
Guys, let's focus on the positive.
They're gonna have to appont a CD soon, and we all know what that means ...
... another classic DDB press release! Yay!
How does Sharon find the time to run the show in between writing all this PR? No wonder they have their own in-house PR agency. Imagine how much Porter Novelli would charge!
9:22 pm NZDT
9.22
Right on the $$$ bro. When is this bullshit going to come with warnings at the start "PRESS RELEASE"?
i miss the old blog days...the days when you could stick it to old gordie from y&r...just because you could
4:28 pm NZDT
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