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WPP picks up DTI Digital, a Brazilian digital innovation and software engineering company. Brazil is the largest market for WPP in Latin America. The acquisition is part of WPP’s move to expand its presence in the areas of experience, commerce and technology. DTI’s services include the development of back-office support systems such as supply automation and data collection software, as well as consumer-facing applications and platforms including e-commerce marketplaces and customer service interfaces. Based in Belo Horizonte, the company was founded in 2009 and employs 800 people. “Our clients are looking for fully integrated solutions that combine creativity with cutting-edge technology to help them adapt and respond to the rapidly shifting business environment,” said WPP chief executive officer Mark Read.
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Two Nil Holdings, a global marketing services network, acquires St@rt, a growth acceleration consultancy. As part of the acquisition, St@rt founder Greg Castronuovo will join Two Nil Holdings as COO. In this position, he will focus his attention across the network’s operating assets (Juice Media, TWO NIL and GlitchAi). He will also continue to incubate St@rt as a growth accelerator and seek out new investments and emerging technologies to add to Two Nil Holdings’ operations. Two Nil Holdings CEO Mark Zamuner remains in his position. “Greg’s progressive and humanistic approach to management makes him a perfect cultural fit for our group,” said Zamuner. “We share the same vision: a reinvention of how an ‘agency’ engages with clients and the marketplace that is made in the image of the entrepreneurs running the most disruptive DTC brands in the world.”
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| Scott Tranchemontagne, E.J. Powers |
Montagne Communications, a Manchester, NH-based firm, has been renamed Montagne Powers, recognizing longtime partner E.J. Powers as an integral part of the company’s brand. Founded by Scott Tranchemontagne, the agency works with corporate clients, government agencies, startups and nonprofits, providing services that include public/media relations, community relations, crisis communications, brand development, advertising, website development and management, digital media. Montagne Powers has also launched a new website—www.montagnepowers.com. “We have built an agency that is a trusted advisor to clients and a credible resource to the media. This is a result of our strong, working partnership, and the efforts of our talented, experienced team,” said Tranchemontagne.
Caster Communications is acquired by long-time agency leaders Alexandra Crabb and Peter Girard... DiGennaro Communications launches The Authority Studio, a freestanding content strategy and production offering... The Brandman Agency, which specializes in luxury travel and lifestyle, rebrands as Brandman.
Public Inc., a social impact agency based in Toronto and New York, acquires Rocket Social Impact, an advisory firm that works with nonprofit and corporate social impact organizations... Ruder Finn launches “What’s Next: The Ruder Finn Podcast,” a new platform hosted by CEO Kathy Bloomgarden... Crowe PR joins United Partners Network, a network of independent PR agencies with members across more than 65 markets worldwide.
Ruder Finn launches rf.Voices, an integrated influence offering that brings together AI-powered influencer marketing, customer advocacy and paid amplification under one measurable framework... The Pollack Group is accepting applications through March 31 for The Big Red Grant, a $40,000 pro bono strategic PR and marketing engagement program awarded to a nonprofit organization ready for growth... D S Simon Media releases a report that says almost seven in ten producers (68 percent) are more interested in airing a story when they know it has been optimized for AI.
Precision Strategies, an integrated strategy and marketing agency with offices in Washington and New York, acquires Firehouse Strategies, a DC-based public affairs firm... AVENIR GLOBAL acquires London-based Thinks Insight & Strategy... Good Company, which bills itself as a “cultural engineering firm,” is launched by DJ Hardy, a veteran of Johannesburg-based communications consultancy arxna and M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment and Casey Stickles, who has worked at 5WPR, Rubenstein and MWW.
PSC (Princeton Strategic Communications) acquires Nonprofit Partners... CG Life launches 24/364, a cultural brand platform intended to drive awareness, connection and action aimed at keeping rare disease at the forefront of the health and social conversation... Interluxe Group, which focuses on brand experiences and in-person activations; Quinn, a strategic communications agency; and media and digital agency North & Warren are uniting under the Interluxe Group banner.
