Maquina | Cohn & WolfeCohn & Wolfe has acquired Brazil's Grupo Maquina, creating a 240-staff powerhouse.

The 20-year-old agency gives C&W a footprint that includes operations in Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Brasilia.

C&W CEO Donna Imperato said Brazil is a "critical" market for the firm, adding that Latin America has become a key region for clients. "They have an impressive client base and an equally impressive leadership team," she said of GM.

GM founder Maristela Mafei stands as director-general of Maquina Cohn & Wolfe under Imperato. Co-CEOs Marcelo Diego and Daniella Camargos remain in those roles as partners.

Clients of GM include Credit Suisse, EY, Xerox, L'Oréal, as well as the entrepreneur Jorge Paulo Lemann and his Brazilian operations of Kraft Heinz, 3G Capital, and AmBev, among others.