MUNICH, GERMANY – Today, Serviceplan Group and bi-coastal creative agency Pereira O’Dell have announced that they are joining forces in a partnership that will strengthen Serviceplan Group’s US presence and expand Pereira O’Dell’s global reach.
With Serviceplan Group’s worldwide network spanning 35 countries and Pereira O’Dell’s US operations rooted in New York and San Francisco, the new alliance strengthens the international reach of both agencies. This partnership will supercharge creative capabilities for Serviceplan and facilitate the global integration of key clients across the network, while giving Pereira O’Dell an international offering for clients in the US.
“For Serviceplan Group, this stake is a strategic step towards increasing our existing global footprint,” said Florian Haller, CEO Serviceplan Group. “Following our long-term international strategy, we believe in our goal to offer our integrated agency concept with creative & content, media & data and experience & technology in all relevant international markets. Our partnership with Pereira O‘Dell is the next logical step forward.”
“We are thrilled about our new partnership with the Serviceplan Group,” said Andrew O’Dell, CEO, Pereira O’Dell. “From our very first meeting, we knew our shared vision of creative excellence, independent spirit and creating a unique global offering, was not only exactly what we wanted for Pereira O’Dell as an agency, but for our clients too. We are looking forward to navigating this next chapter, together.”
Each agency will remain independent and continue to go-to-market under their respective brands, but will now be able to collaborate seamlessly on campaigns as needed. This is the initial step in Serviceplan’s projected growth trajectory and US investment strategy.
Markus Noder, Member of the Executive Board of Serviceplan Group adds, “This step is an enabler for the lasting success of our House of Communication concept in the US. I am looking forward to pushing our common vision together with our new partners, Pereira O‘Dell.”
German engineering meets American daring
The partnership comes in a year which has been unsettling for the world with the Covid-19 pandemic. Serviceplan Group rode the wave and despite the challenges faced by the Coronavirus lockdown, maintained market stability reporting global agency fees of 448 million EURO for the financial year ending 30 June 2020. Thanks to Serviceplan Group’s international orientation, integrated mindset, focus on digitalization and partner-managed structure, the performance confirms its status as Europe’s leading owner-managed agency group.
The initial discussions surrounding this new partnership were developed during an October 2019 meeting when both parties identified many similarities in their free-spirited culture and approach and a desire for continued growth in their respective markets. This partnership solidifies Serviceplan’s purchase of shares from Omnicom/Grupo ABC. Ciesco, the London based Specialist M&A firm acted as the exclusive advisor for Serviceplan, led by their CEO Chris Sahota.
“This strategic partnership has been in the works for quite some time, and is an important moment for the group as we expand our offering in the US,” said Stefan Schuette, CEO Serviceplan US House of Communication. “Our agencies are well aligned in terms of structure, culture and agency philosophy, which made the decision even easier. We are thrilled to be able to offer clients even more communications services in an integrated format.”
