• by Larissa Faw , November 18, 2014

UK-based M&C Saatchi Worldwide has 22 offices in 19 countries, including M&C Saatchi in Los Angeles, but the agency has long wanted a stronger New York presence. The agency first opened a New York office in 1995 before closing it in 2007. Then, two years ago, agency executives set up another Big Apple attempt. 

Now, the holding company is trying a new tactic by purchasing a minority stake in creative agency SS+K.
"A strong agency in New York is a cornerstone for any network. We have taken some time to find the right solution - an agency which is intelligent, ambitious and creative to its core,” said Moray MacLennan, Worldwide CEO at M&C Saatchi. “I am eager to start our future together with SS+K "

While executives decline to disclose financial details, sources say M&C Saatchi will hold 33% of the company, with the remaining shares will be controlled by the agency's three founders. SS+K will keep its name, there will be no office relocation, and agency executives will stay the same and independent.

"A strong agency in New York is a cornerstone for any network. We have taken some time to find the right solution - an agency which is intelligent, ambitious and creative to its core,” said Moray MacLennan, Worldwide CEO at M&C Saatchi. “I am eager to start our future together with SS+K "

Saatchi approached SS+K about this alliance after becoming familiar with each other from their anti-obesity work (M&C in the UK and SS+K for Let's Move!). 

SS+K has had a strong year with double digit growth and new clients including E*TRADE, Fresh Direct, HBO, Jackson Hewitt, Starbucks and The New Yorker.

Earlier this year, M&C Saatchi acquired Lean Mean Fighting Machine, previously named Interactive Agency of the Year at Cannes.