London and San Francisco Agencies Team up to Create International Challenger Network

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VCCP, the London-based top five UK advertising agency owned by the leading international sports marketing and communications group, Chime Communications, announces that it is expanding its reach to the U.S. with the acquisition of MUH-TAY-ZIK | HOF-FER, a highly awarded, San Francisco-based, full-service advertising agency. The combined group will form an international network spanning London, San Francisco, Paris, Madrid, Prague, Sydney and Berlin.

Developing a presence in the U.S. market has been a key strategic goal for VCCP and coincides with MUH-TAY-ZIK | HOF-FER’s rapid growth and high-profile account wins since its inception in 2010. In the past year MUH-TAY-ZIK | HOF-FER has more than doubled its staff from 40 to 85 people, with plans to open an office in New York City, and increased its revenue by 88% from $9 million to $17 million. VCCP intends to further grow its presence in Europe and Australia and MUH-TAY-ZIK | HOF-FER in the Americas and Asia.

The partnership between the two agencies heralds the creation of a “Challenger Network for Challenger Brands” with both sharing creative and business objectives centred on challenger brands, that will be amplified into greater global opportunities. VCCP’s current clients (O2,BMW Motorcycles, Molson Coors, and easyJet), will be joining the likes of AAA, Audi, method, Netflix, OXO, and SoFi from the roster of MUH-TAY-ZIK | HOF-FER.

The acquisition has been financed by Providence Equity Partners, a private equity investor in media and communications businesses, which acquired Chime Communications in 2015. Terms of the deal are not disclosed.

Adrian Coleman, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of VCCP, commented:

"This marks a landmark achievement for VCCP, which has experienced rapid growth since it was founded 14 years ago. We’ve grown to become an increasingly global advertising agency of 500 people and continue to deliver disruptive and creative campaigns for our clients.

"We believe that creativity is the biggest multplier for any business and together with MUH-TAY-ZIK| HOF-FER we will be able to deliver campaigns all over the world as we continue to expand and grow the business.”

John Matejczyk, Co-Founder and Executive Creative Director at MUH-TAY-ZIK | HOF-FER, commented:

“At MUH-TAY-ZIK | HOF-FER, we look forward to working with VCCP to realise our shared visions, grow the business and to unleash creativity for our clients.”

Matt Hofherr, Co-Founder and Director of Strategy at MUH-TAY-ZIK | HOF-FER, commented:

“VCCP is a perfect fit for our agency. We share a like-minded attitude,culture and unique dedication to the brands we work with."

Andrew Tisdale, Managing Director at Providence Equity Partners, added:

"This is a really exciting combination for both agencies. John, Matt, Adrian and Charles have a really clear view of how they will collaborate closely to bring great ideas to their clients around the world and build a strong global business together."

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