Independent agencies Bastion USA and Buntin have merged to create an operation serving the US, Australia and New Zealand. 

“This is a transformational moment for both our agencies,” said Cheuk Chiang, Group CEO of Bastion. “We’re creating a model for what the future of independent marketing looks like. Connected and collaborative with the depth of capability of a network yet delivering with the speed and service of an independent.” 

Jeffrey Buntin, Jr., owner of Buntin and U.S. Co-Chairman of the merged business, said the merger would add infrastructure, expertise and reach to serve clients better. "It’s an alignment of vision, not just business," he added.  

Under the merger, the US business will operate under the BastionBuntin name, establishing Nashville as a key hub for North American operations alongside offices in Los Angeles and New York.  Bastion Group operates in Melbourne, Sydney, Auckland and Wellington.  

The new partners said the merged agencies will deliver "end-to-end" marketing and communications capability across brand strategy, creative, media, communications, PR, digital, insights and experience across a unified model allowing clients to access integrated teams and specialist expertise across borders without the bureaucracy of traditional networks. 

Jeff Browe will serve as CEO of BastionBuntin. Clients include Coca-Cola, Spotify, Kellogg's and more.  

The merger is the latest in a series of deals by Bastion to expand its U.S. presence, including digital marketing and PR firm IMW agency in 2022 and social media and performance agency Huntington Pacific Media in 2020. 

Pictured above is the BastionBuntin Group team.