Quay Advertising to fold into McCann
The Interpublic Group of Companies has acquired through-the-line Manchester advertising agency The Quay Advertising and Marketing.
The Quay will be merged into McCann-Erickson Manchester, consolidating the agency’s position as the largest advertising agency outside London.
The Quay was launched in 1994 after a management buyout and now has a £15m turnover. The agency has a client base consisting of predominantly healthcare brands. Its biggest client is SSL International which owns the Scholl, Durex, Coppertone and Resolve brands.
The Quay managing director Michael Bahbout says: “Our clients now need the skills and strengths provided by McCann, and we are very excited by the opportunities around the corner.
“Client service is incredibly important to us and for this type of acquisition to work, common principles have to exist. We believe strongly in McCann’s commitment to this area and its delivery of results and value for money,” says Bahbout.
McCann-Erickson Manchester has doubled in size over the past five years, says managing director Sue Little: “More and more companies are looking for the global communication and brand-building strengths we offer.”
The agency forms part of the McCann-Erickson UK and Ireland Group, owned by Interpublic network which has a $5bn (£3.5bn) turnover. Interpublic also owns companies including The Lowe Group, DraftWorldwide, Initiative Media Worldwide and Octagon.
