Project Worldwide adds Melbourne engagement agency Dig+Fish to its indie agency roster
Independent agency network Project Worldwide announced its full acquisition of Melbourne, Australia-based consumer engagement agency Dig+Fish. The Detroit-based holding company took a minority interest in Dig+Fish in 2014, less than a year after the agency was formed. The move to fully acquire Dig+Fish further bolsters Project Worldwide’s expanding network.
Dig+Fish acquired by Project Worldwide
With a mix of complementary marketing agencies across the United States, Project turned its sights abroad to further boost its already strong international offering.
“We look for like-minded creative agencies with strong collaborative cultures when seeking partners to help the network achieve its ambitious plans for growth,” said Project chairman and chief executive officer Robert G. Vallee, Jr. “We’ve spent the past year solidifying our US suite of 21st century agencies via the acquisitions of leading marketing services companies including digital agency Wondersauce and PR standout Praytell. Adding Dig+Fish to Project’s portfolio fits with our ambition to add industry leaders to our agency lineup.”
Dig+Fish managing director Angie Bradbury said the acquisition marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the business. “Working with Project during the past few years proved to us that the global network genuinely places creativity, collaboration, and culture at the heart of everything it does,” she said. “We are absolutely thrilled to have a deeper level of support and commitment from this leading network to help us scale.”
Dig+Fish works with brands like Australian beverage company Lion, automakers Jeep and Alfa Romeo, and other top brands.
“Dig+Fish is brimming with passionate and smart storytellers who love what they do,” said Ben Taylor, Project’s Asia Pacific chief executive. “The diverse agency understands that ideas come from everyone and is adept at making sure staff from every facet of the business is included in finding ways to increase market share for brands the agency stewards. The formula is working for clients including global solar leader Q Cells, and technology giant Microsoft, and we’re thrilled to have Dig+Fish’s strategic thinking and creative prowess in the network.”
Dig+Fish made its first Sydney-based senior team appointment in the middle of the year and now shares office space with Project experiential agency George P. Johnson in Sydney and Melbourne. Bradbury said she is excited by imminent opportunities on the horizon.
“The synergies we can leverage for our clients by working closely with GPJ and other network partners will make a major difference to our business,” she said. “As part of the Project network, we can offer clients the best of both worlds – a small, nimble agency with a senior leadership team readily available and accessible, backed by the global knowledge, execution, and talent of one of the most creative agency groups operating in the market today.”