WRG Acquires Canyon in Continued Expansion

Aug. 16, 2012 - PRLog -- WRG Creative Communication, the agency that managed the G20 Summit and the Papal Visit, has acquired live communication agency Canyon, as part of its strategy to build a world-leading creative agency.

Over the past two years, Manchester-based WRG has expanded its global reach across the U.K., mainland Europe, the U.S. and the Middle East. A year ago, leading private equity firm, LDC, invested £12 million in WRG to support a UK and international buy-and-build strategy that will include the opening of its first office in the Far East within the next 12 months.

The acquisition of Canyon, the first since the injection of capital, brings greater depth to WRG’s live communication expertise and strengthens its creative, film and logistics offering.

Formed in 2006, Canyon works alongside retail, hair & beauty, financial and automobile brands including P&G, Clarks International, DFS, ABF, Nationwide Building Society and Jaguar Land Rover. The boutique agency’s 20-strong team creates and produces experiences from product launches to media previews and employee engagement programmes.

Canyon will become integrated under the WRG umbrella and Managing Director, Jonathan Boyne, will become a Director of WRG.

WRG was formed in 2007 through the merger of With and Reflex Communications and employs over 140 people across its five locations. WRG, which specialises in live, brand and healthcare communication, managed the G20 London Summit in 2009 and the Papal Visit to the U.K in 2010.

Barry Day, Chief Executive Officer at WRG, said: “By acquiring such a highly respected agency we’re demonstrating our commitment to becoming the leading partner to global brands in the field of live communication.

“Both companies have an outstanding reputation in the European market and rank among the most innovative agencies. We have a shared commitment to creativity and an enviable record of successful delivery.

“The strength of our combined talents gives us enormous power to further expand both our suite of services and our geographical reach over the next 12 months.”

Jonathan Boyne, Managing Director of Canyon, added: “Our robust approach to strategic communication, based on deep commercial and market understanding, has made us a trusted partner to blue chip organisations across Europe. By becoming part of WRG we now have a truly global reach and greater strength in depth.

“This is an exciting opportunity both for our combined teams and clients. We’re looking forward to being part of WRG’s future growth story.”


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For further information, please contact:

Carl Halliday
Director, WRG Creative Communication
carl.halliday@wrg.uk.com
0845 313 0000

Jonathan Boyne
Managing Director, Canyon
jonathan.boyne@canyonmail.co.uk
0161 245 4650


About WRG Creative Communications

WRG Creative Communications (“WRG”) is an independent experiential agency specialising in integrated marketing and events with offices in the UK, the USA, and the Middle East.

WRG has experienced impressive growth since its establishment in 2005 and in 2011 secured investment from leading mid-market private equity firm LDC to support a buy-and-build strategy and further international expansion, particularly in the emerging key markets of central and eastern Asia.

The fast-growing firm is headquartered in Manchester with additional UK offices in London and High Wycombe, and overseas bases in New York, Abu Dhabi and Doha, Qatar. It employs over 140 permanent staff – including event producers, art directors, designers, marketing specialists, film producers and editors, together with an international bank of specialist freelance professionals.

WRG designs, produces and delivers highly innovative live and brand communication for a breadth of global blue chip clients. It specialises in product launches, summits, ceremonies, live broadcasts, bespoke installations and marketing services, including creative design, branding consultancy, web-services and film & digital services.

The company has deep and broad sector experience, particularly in pharmaceuticals, IT and energy. WRG is also renowned for having conceived, produced and delivered globally televised live events such as the G20 Summit in 2009 and the 2010 Papal visit.

Jim Faulds, founder of Scottish marketing firm The Faulds Group, is Non-Executive Chairman and Michael Grade, the former BBC Chairman a Non-Executive Director.

About Canyon

Canyon is a pioneering live communication agency based in Manchester that works with global brands.

Formed in 2006, Canyon has delivered year-on-year growth, attracting clients who pursue an ambition to connect with live audiences and change the way they think, feel and act.

The 20-strong Canyon team has expertise in Communication, Creative, Production, Video, and Venue & Logistics management.

Canyon creates experiences which give commercial advantage through a combination of robust insight, commercial understanding and a total focus on the live channel.

Canyon’s holistic approach has delivered consistent success for media, customer, consumer, and employee audiences. The agency specialises in the retail, fashion, hair & beauty, automotive and financial sectors.