CHI ‘full-service’ rebrand as deal rumours circulate

Clemmow Hornby Inge (CHI) is planning to relaunch as a fully integrated “big ideas” agency that will also offer media planning and buying.

The new full-service proposition, which has the project name CHI-II, will include direct marketing agency Hall Moore CHI, strategic planning arm Naked Inside and CHI Design, as well as the traditional advertising agency and a media planning and buying function.

It is thought that the media offer will operate on a fee-only basis and will not take commission.

The different disciplines will all be part of one agency, with the account planning and media planning teams merged to form “ideas planning” teams. Clients including Argos, TalkTalk and Royal Bank of Scotland already use several of CHI’s separate divisions.

News of the relaunch comes as speculation mounts that CHI is preparing to sell a 49% stake in the agency to French holding company Havas (MW February 8).

It is understood that the agency is keen to do a deal with a holding company that can help its international expansion plans.

Johnny Hornby, co-founder of the agency, refused to comment on the relaunch as Marketing Week went to press.

Last week, it emerged that start-up Hurrell and Dawson is looking for a senior media executive to position itself as a full-service agency.

The agency will offer media planning and buying as well as advertising from September onwards.

Engine Group, which comprises 11 marketing services companies under standalone brands such as WCRS, Personal and Woo, is also looking to offer media planning and buying.