'Something very special indeed': Northern Ireland PR group expands into London with major agency acquisition
ModusBPCM becomes part of Ardmore Group after almost four decades as an independent agency
Northern Ireland communications group Ardmore Group has acquired London-based creative communications agency ModusBPCM in a move designed to expand its UK presence, strengthen its creative offering and increase its international reach.
The acquisition of 100% of the business will see the agency revert to its original name, Modus, following almost 40 years as an independent communications business.
Founded in London in 1987, Modus has built a reputation for specialist communications expertise across fashion, beauty, wellness, hospitality, drinks, design, arts and culture.
Its services include strategic communications, media relations, talent and brand partnerships, content creation and social media, working with brands ranging from high street names to luxury businesses.
The move will bring new investment and opportunities for collaboration with Ardmore Group's wider capabilities in creative, advertising, digital performance marketing and strategic consultancy, while retaining Modus' existing team, client relationships and specialist expertise.
The acquisition also strengthens Ardmore Group's London presence and builds on its international network through Worldwide Partners Inc (WPI), one of the world's largest networks of independent marketing and communications agencies.
As a partner and shareholder in WPI, Ardmore Group has access to independent agencies across 60 countries, creating further opportunities for Modus and its clients internationally.
Its longstanding partnership with New York-based BPCM will also continue, maintaining the close relationship the two agencies have developed through shared clients in the UK and US.
John Keane, chairman and chief executive of Ardmore Group, said the acquisition would bring specialist expertise and new opportunities to the group.
“As the Ardmore Group has continued to grow, moving into new geographies and new categories, we are constantly looking for the very best talent. As soon as we met the team at Modus we knew we had found something very special indeed,” he said.
He added that the agency's knowledge of luxury markets, together with its experience in content creation, experiential marketing and public relations, had particularly impressed the group.
The acquisition follows Ardmore Group's investment earlier this year in an award-winning creative agency in Dublin, as it continues to develop its integrated offering for clients across the UK and beyond.
Julian Vogel, founder of Modus, said Ardmore Group was the right strategic partner for the agency's next phase of growth.
He said the partnership would create opportunities through complementary services and new ventures, while preserving the expertise, relationships and culture that had defined Modus for almost four decades.
As part of the changes, Rosie Pierce, currently strategic director at Modus, will become managing director, working with Ardmore Group's leadership team to oversee the agency's continued development and integration.
She said: “I'm excited about the opportunity to build on these strengths, work more closely with our new colleagues across Ardmore Group and explore what we can achieve together, while staying true to who we are.”
Mr Vogel will remain involved with Modus on a consultancy basis, providing continuity for clients and staff while helping shape its next stage of development.
The transaction was originated and advised by Agency Futures, which introduced the two businesses and advised Mr Vogel through to completion.