John Brown Group buys integrated agency Fingal

Publishing company The John Brown Group has acquired integrated creative communications agency Fingal, as a standalone business.

Fingal managing director Francis Jago will continue to head the agency, and will also assume the lead role in developing the John Brown digital offering on a group basis.

Jago says: "We’ve been courted many times but valued our independence too much to consummate a union. This time it felt the right thing to do."

The John Brown Group, the parent company of John Brown and Code London, says the acquisition will "massively" strengthen its digital expertise.

Financial details of the acquisition have not been disclosed but the group cited Fingal’s reputation in the automotive market as key to the acquisition. Its clients include Aston Martin, the Honda Racing Formula 1 team, Land Rover, Porsche and Silverstone.

Fingal provides marketing services, and digital and print campaigns, as well as a complementary public relations service and event management.