DIRECT MARKETING is one of the biggest users of digital media, so the marriage seems serendipitous – even if it’s actually more like living together than an actual exchange of rings. WPP has brought together its full service digital agency – aquaonline – and Wunderman, local branch of the global relationship and direct marketing agency. The result, is “South Africa’s first truly integrated digital, direct agency” – although the two entities continue trading under their existing names, which have significant brand equity. With each unit at or near the top of its field in SA, the combined entity can legitimately claim to have a unique integrated offering.
Brent Shahim, of aquaonline, who takes the helm of the new ship, says the “market is ready” for this alliance, which also provides aquaonline with an African footprint. “We see Africa as an extremely exciting digital market,” he says. “Our clients are expanding into Africa and we need to service them there. Digital is exploding on the continent and we have a footprint in key African markets.
“Wunderman is Africa’s fastest growing digital and direct agency, with a presence in several countries, including Kenya and Nigeria. Both companies are already servicing clients in other markets, such as Britain, Dubai and Germany, and benefiting from opportunities that emerge from their combined approach.”
Blue chip Wunderman clients in the mix include Land Rover, Microsoft and Ford, while aquaonline’s client list includes MTN, Pick n Pay, Nokia, Southern Sun and Standard Bank.
The teams are already co-located and operating as an integrated unit.
Brent Shahim, of aquaonline, who takes the helm of the new ship, says the “market is ready” for this alliance, which also provides aquaonline with an African footprint. “We see Africa as an extremely exciting digital market,” he says. “Our clients are expanding into Africa and we need to service them there. Digital is exploding on the continent and we have a footprint in key African markets.
“Wunderman is Africa’s fastest growing digital and direct agency, with a presence in several countries, including Kenya and Nigeria. Both companies are already servicing clients in other markets, such as Britain, Dubai and Germany, and benefiting from opportunities that emerge from their combined approach.”
Blue chip Wunderman clients in the mix include Land Rover, Microsoft and Ford, while aquaonline’s client list includes MTN, Pick n Pay, Nokia, Southern Sun and Standard Bank.
The teams are already co-located and operating as an integrated unit.