Nike deal could impact on Umbro agency roster
Nike’s £285million takeover of sportswear firm Umbro could have massive ramifications for the northern media scene, after the deal was agreed this week.
Agencies tasked by the Cheshire-based football kit specialists include Manchester’s Love (responsible for all global advertising), Leeds-based Swamp (digital) Manchester’s Silver Films (production) and Xposure (PR).
An Umbro PR spokesman said it was “too early” to say what the proposed deal would mean for the firm’s media and marketing contracts, but suggested that Umbro as its own entity will stay intact.
The spokesman said that Umbro would be run as its own identity even under new ownership, with Nike’s intention being to grow the business as a standalone brand.
Fears had arisen that a staff amalgamation could see the company’s marketing department roll into Nike, and jeopardise local agency relationships.