Canadian media planning and buying agency Media Experts is set to be acquired by IPG Mediabrands.

IPG Mediabrands intends to acquire a majority interest, but leave Media Experts still serving Canadian and global brand clients on media planning and buying, search engine optimisation, search engine marketing and programmatic trading.

As part of the deal Media Experts founder, owner and chief executive officer Mark Sherman will continue to lead the company as an autonomous business unit with his executive team and 150 employees.

“The cultural fit was there from the beginning, which made it easy to say ‘yes’ to this new partnership,” said Sherman, who will also join the senior management team in Canada, led by IPG Mediabrands CEO Canada Harvey Carroll.

“Our customers and clients will benefit immediately, as we’ll have access to innovative new technology, resources and expertise from a global perspective,” Sherman added.

“Our employees will have access to training and professional development resources that are second to none.”

Carroll said he was excited for Media Experts to “join the Mediabrands family”.

“We’re like-minded in the entrepreneurial approach we take to serve the needs of our clients,” continued Carroll. “Our cultures mesh well together, which will mean business as usual for our employees and clients.

“Going forward, we’re also delighted to have a much stronger strategic presence in Quebec and British Columbia.”

Media Experts was founded in 1981 by Sherman in Montreal to include offices in Toronto and Vancouver.