The Leith Agency acquires Newhaven, with Newhaven co-owners to leave
The Leith Agency has announced the acquisition of rival and break away agency Newhaven with co-founders Ken Dixon and Jonathan Shinton set to depart.
Newhaven, which broke away from The Leith Agency with founding client Tennents in 2002, will see its client base and key members of staff join with the Cello owned agency over the coming months.
Richard Marsham, managing partner of The Leith Group, said: “At Leith we strive to deliver bold ideas, both for our clients and ourselves. The coming together of Leith and Newhaven is a clear example of this strategy and our united strength and skillsets can only be of benefit to our clients and staff. Both companies share the same culture and values and we're excited at the opportunities this merger brings.”
Last year, co-founder of Newhaven Gareth Howells rejoined the Leith Agency as a senior creative. The fourth co-founder Zane Radcliffe left two year ago having been bought out by the remaining directors at the time.
Ken Dixon, Co-owner of Newhaven, said: “Since we launched Leith has been one of our biggest competitors, yet we have always maintained a friendly rivalry. When pitching against them, we always saw them as the agency to beat and we think they thought the same. Combining forces at such a pivotal point in the world of marketing makes sense on a lot of levels, and we have put together a very simple, smart deal. This mutual respect has delivered the deal quickly and without fuss, and will bring added muscle, energy and opportunity to all parties.”
The reason for the acquisition is understood to have stemmed from the agency's loss of it position on The Scottish Government roster and the review of Scottish Power.
