Accenture Interactive makes first acquisition in Africa with King James Group
In keeping with its aggressive expansion plans, Accenture has announced its plans to acquire King James Group, one of the largest independent creative agencies on the continent
Accenture Interactive has bought its first agency in Africa, King James Group
This acquisition marks the network’s maiden acquisition in the growing Africa market and will grant it a presence in Cape Town and Johannesburg.
What is the King James Group?
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King James Group, founded in 1998, is a fast-growing creative network based in South Africa, offering integrated communications solutions across several industries, including financial services, consumer goods, technology and media.
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Following the acquisition, its team of 300 creative and brand experts will join Accenture Interactive.
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The indie agency has been known to be pushing creative boundaries and brand thinking for the past 24 years. Joining Accenture Interactive will help realize its global ambitions and provide its clients access to capabilities on a global scale.
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James Barty, founding partner and chief executive of the King James Group said: “Establishing a bigger, more relevant presence has always been on our horizon, and we’re proud to do it in a way that will continue to preserve our ethos, hone our craft and build on our existing achievements.”
How this move helps Accenture
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Accenture Interactive has been increasing digital footprint across the globe with a mixed strategy of acquisitions and organic growth. Recently it had acquired Malaysia-based agency Entropia to expand its footprint in South East Asia, and earlier this year it announced a major expansion into Japan and Brazil through Droga5.
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The current acquisition is part of Accenture Interactive’s larger plan of expanding in the Africa market and “to strengthen the focus on putting creativity at the center of experience-led transformation to drive relevance and growth for its clients.”
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Flaviano Faleiro, Accenture Interactive’s president for growth markets, said: “As we continue to lead our clients into the future and empower them to put creative excellence and experience at the heart of their business, we are delighted to welcome King James Group. The agency’s capabilities and scale will complement our efforts to meet client demand for transformative experiences in the market and across all industries.”
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Haydn Townsend, Accenture Interactive’s managing director for South Africa said: “King James Group’s creativity and strength in driving marketing and communications that result in brand equity, will meet our clients’ demands for a single partner with seamless offerings across marketing, commerce and experience.”