• by Larissa Faw , December 4, 2018

Project Worldwide is acquiring New Zealand-based agency Darkhorse as the network seeks to expand its geographical scope. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. 

Founded in 2012, the 28-person agency works with brands such as Moët Hennessy, Heineken, BMW, L’Oréal Luxe, and Tiffany & Co. on premium "ideas-led" PR, digital and event experiences. 

Under the deal, Darkhorse will stay headquartered in Auckland, NZ, but will eventually launch an Australian presence, where its capabilities will complement those of Project agencies George P. Johnson, Spinifex Group, and Dig&Fish. Project has historically had a limited presence in New Zealand, operating remotely out of its Australia headquarters.

The management team, made up of co-founders Mike Hewitt and Liam Taylor, as well as head of digital Francesca Kelly, will remain in charge of the agency and will report to Caleb Bush, managing director of GPJ Australia.