MOVING ON: After nearly 40 years as an independent communications agency, ModusBPCM is starting a new chapter and becoming part of Britain’s Ardmore Group, which has clients across the public sector, retail and consumer goods. Ardmore is acquiring 100 percent of the London-based agency, which will return to its original name, Modus.
Julian Vogel, founder of Modus, said he made the move because “communications is constantly evolving, and never faster than now. In John Keane and Ardmore Group we found the perfect strategic partner, with complementary services that create new opportunities for Modus’ next phase of growth.”
Vogel described Ardmore, which is based in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and has offices across the U.K., as a growth partner and said their areas of expertise and portfolios are complementary. He added that Ardmore will help Modus extend its international reach “and bring even greater depth” to its offer and allow Ardmore to build its creative portfolio.
Ardmore is also a shareholder in Worldwide Partners Inc., one of the world’s largest networks of independent marketing and communications agencies across 60 countries. Vogel said belonging to that network will create greater opportunities for Modus and its clients internationally.
Sandy Keane and John Kean of Ardmore Group with Rosie Pierce and Julian Vogel of Modus.
Vogel said he’ll remain closely involved in the business on a consultancy basis, while Modus’ strategic director, Rosie Pierce, will become managing director. She will work closely with Ardmore’s leadership to oversee the agency’s continued development and integration within the larger group.
Modus will continue to partner with the New York-based communications and consulting agency BPCM on projects, Vogel said.
John Keane, chairman and CEO of Ardmore, said that in a world “where the channels to market appear to expand on a near daily basis, the importance of brands having access to the very best people — specialists, not generalists — has never been more important.”
Keane added that as Ardmore has continued to grow, and move into new geographies and new categories, “we are constantly looking for the very best talent. As soon as we met the team at Modus we knew we had found something very special indeed. Their deep knowledge of all major luxury categories, their track record in content creation, experiential and PR all stood out. That they share our values and ambitions was the icing.”
The London agency consolidations are rolling on. Last week The Lede Company, acquired Aisle 8 as part of a wider trend of communications and events agencies clubbing together to offer a variety of services across continents, or buying complementary businesses in order to broaden their reach.
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