London-based marketing group MSQ has acquired New York-based creative shop SPCSHP (FKA Big Spaceship). Terms weren’t disclosed.
MSQ said the transaction more than doubles its presence in the U.S., increasing annual revenues in North America to $100 million.
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MSQ has an ambitious expansion plan set for North America, the UK and Europe that is backed by private equity groups including One Equity Partners and LDC.
With the deal, MSQ said SPCSHP gains access to its global network of agencies, allowing it to provide a broader set of marketing solutions to its roster of Fortune 100 brands and better position itself for growth. Founder and Chairman Michael Lebowitz and CEO Ranae Heuer will continue to lead the agency under new ownership.
SPCSHP has 140 staffers with clients including Dairy Queen, JP Morgan Chase and Starbucks. and MSQ, headed by CEO Peter Reid, has a team of 1,200 across 13 global offices. Overseeing U.S. operations is North America President Aaron Lang.
The acquisition is the latest move in MSQ’s U.S. expansion plans. In the last two years, it has acquired Smarts (PR and creative), BraveSpark (creative production agency), MMT (web and digital product development) and Walk-In Media (full service media). MSQ's other U.S.-based agencies include The Gate (creative and CRM), Stein IAS (B2B media) and Elmwood (branding and design).
The acquisition also follows the recent launch of agency MSQ Sport + Entertainment, led by former M&C Saatchi’s Steve Martin and Jamie Wynne-Morgan.