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JWT acquires Finnish digital agency Activeark

WPP-owned JWT is boosting its digital capabilities with the acquisition of a majority stake in Finnish digital marketing agency Activeark.

Founded in 2003 in Helsinki and with additional offices in London and Mumbai, Activeark’s clients include Hartwall, Nokia and Marimekko. Activeark is the largest digital agency in Finland and was selected as agency of the year in 2012.

Activeark’s 80-strong team will merge with JWT Helsinki to become Activeark JWT Oy. Its operations in the UK and India will also assume the new name. All current owners of Activeark will retain their operational positions.

According to JWT Europe chief executive Toby Hoare, the move marks one of JWT’s most significant European acquisitions in recent history.

“This is a major step towards us achieving our ambitions in Finland,” he said. “The merger catapults Activeark JWT to a top three marketing agency in Finland and brings together a respected global, well-established brand expert with a leading, fast growing, digital marketing agency.”

Activeark chief executive Markus Hakala will become the chief executive of Activeark JWT Oy, while JWT Helsinki managing director Jean Gallen will be chairman of the board and in charge of client service. Activeark founder Robin Bade will be responsible for the development and overall quality of the service offering.

“The merger is a natural answer to client requests and needs,” says Hakala. “It’s time to stop talking about digital and traditional roles. Consumers’ media consumption is rapidly and constantly changing, and brands need to cope with this to survive. In our new set-up we will be able to deliver customer experiences in all channels, both online and offline.”

Jenni Baker, London