IAS b2b merges with Stein + Partners to form SteinIAS

Together the company will have offices across New York, Manchester, London, a new office in Shanghai and an office in Paris, following the deal that saw IAS six-figure acquisition of Aastroem Munier BBN take place last March.

Rob Morrice, managing director of the SteinIAS, EMEA and Asia, explained: “As IAS and Stein got to know each other, it was apparent just how similar our focus, models, integrated processes and all-round approach is. We share the same vision – to be globally recognised as the B2B agency that best delivers brand strategy, multichannel creativity and technology-powered go-to-market approaches. It made great sense to strengthen our individual assets by bringing the best of the best together under the same brand.”

Tom Stein, president of SteinIAS, Americas, added: “By creating SteinIAS, we are better meeting the needs of many of our existing clients and providing a more robust capability for major brands with global, regional and local marketing requirements.

“We intend to create a ‘best of the best’ alternative to holding company and very large agency networks. We bring a rare blend of intensity, creativity, technology-enablement and synchronisation to the table. This is decidedly not business-to-business-as-usual.

“Our sights are firmly set on increasing our international footprint and forging the important partnerships we need to enhance our capabilities and global standing.”

Earlier this year, Morrice was presented with The Drum’s Gran Prix hat stand having been named as the Most Awarded Agency of 2012.