Langdon’s Digital Marketing Group acquires Dig For Fire and HSM
Dig For Fire in Sheffield and Swindon-based HSM have been acquired by Ben Langdon’s new company. Digital Marketing Group plc (DMG).
The former chairman and chief executive of Euro RSCG, who has been on gardening leave for the past year, will be chief executive of the new company, with SPG Media and Enteraction TV’s Stephen Davidson taking on the role of chairman.
Both agencies specialise in offering direct marketing services. Dig For Fire, which has around 80 members of staff, was formed in 2003 following a merger between two Sheffield-based agencies – Scope and Paradigm.
HSM, meanwhile, was founded in 1991 and is made up of two divisions – Inbox Digital and HSM Telemarketing.
Both agencies are expected to retain their identities and will work closely to service existing customers and attract new business.
“The proposal to join DMG is a great opportunity for us to broaden our product offering,” Charles Buddery, chief executive of Dig For Fire, said of the deal.
HSM chief executive, Gary Stevens added: “Digital marketing is at the forefront of our business today and I believe that there is significant commercial value to be gained by participating in a specialist digital direct marketing group.”
Langdon spent 17 months with Euro RSCG, winning new business with the likes of Superdrug and LG Electronics. However, his tenure was marred by a number of major account losses, including British Heart Foundation and Argos. Prior to that role, Langdon spent 11 years at McCann Erickson, where he eventually became UK Group chairman.