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Stagwell's (STGW) Anomaly Alliance Enters Agreement to Acquire French Digital Shop What's Next Partners as It Accelerates Global Expansion

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Stagwell, listed as STGW on NASDAQ, acquires What's Next Partners (WNP), a leading French digital brand and marketing consultancy, to expand Anomaly Alliance's global footprint. WNP's expertise in data-powered strategies and creative content will enhance Anomaly's presence in Europe. The acquisition marks Stagwell's strategic move to transform marketing in France and Europe, following previous acquisitions in 2024. WNP's Founder and CEO, Guy Chauvel, brings a wealth of experience from top agencies like J. W. T. and Havas, strengthening the partnership.
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Insights

Stagwell's strategic acquisition of WHAT'S NEXT PARTNERS (WNP) is a significant move in the marketing and advertising industry, particularly within the European market. It indicates a deliberate effort to enhance their digital and data-driven capabilities, a growing necessity in modern marketing. The acquisition is poised to deepen Anomaly's presence in Europe, a market that has been showing increasing demand for integrated communications and AI-enabled CRM solutions.

From a market perspective, the integration of WNP could potentially lead to an increase in Stagwell's market share and competitive advantage in Europe. The mention of WNP's leadership in-market and their existing high-profile clientele suggests that Stagwell is not only acquiring a company but also its established relationships and market knowledge, which can be leveraged to secure larger accounts.

Financially, the acquisition of WNP by Stagwell is indicative of the company's growth strategy and its implications for shareholders. The move could be seen as a driver for revenue growth and margin expansion in the European sector. Investors should consider the potential for synergies between Stagwell's existing operations and WNP's specialized services, which may lead to cost efficiencies and enhanced service offerings.

Additionally, the acquisition's timing, following two previous purchases in 2024, suggests an aggressive expansion strategy by Stagwell. This pattern of growth, if managed effectively, could result in increased earnings per share and shareholder value in the long term. However, investors should also be cautious of the risks associated with rapid expansion, such as integration challenges and cultural misalignments, which could impact the expected benefits of the deal.

The acquisition process often involves complex legal considerations, particularly when it involves cross-border transactions such as this one. The role of Lazare Consulting LLC as the exclusive strategic M&A advisor to WNP indicates that due diligence was a priority in this transaction. For stakeholders, it's essential to understand that such acquisitions are subject to regulatory approvals which can influence the timeline and final outcome of the deal.

Furthermore, the integration of WNP into Stagwell's operations will require careful navigation of European Union regulations, including data protection laws like GDPR, which are particularly stringent. Compliance with these regulations is critical to avoid potential legal and financial repercussions that could detract from the acquisition's benefits.

WNP will be first in series of planned acquisitions for The Anomaly Alliance as Stagwell expands throughout Europe and beyond

NEW YORK, Feb. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Stagwell (NASDAQ: STGW), the challenger network built to transform marketing, has reached an agreement to acquire WHAT'S NEXT PARTNERS (WNP), a French digital brand and marketing consultancy specializing in data-powered strategies, integrated communications, and creative content.

WNP will become the first co-branded member of the Anomaly Alliance.

WNP will become the first co-branded member of the Anomaly Alliance in a partnership model designed to expand Anomaly's global footprint beyond its existing offices in New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, London, Berlin, and Shanghai.

WNP is one of the leading digital creative firms in Europe, exemplified in its work for clients such as Cora, Danone, Ecoutier Voir, Meetic Europe, and Savencia. WNP will deepen Anomaly's presence in Europe and add capabilities in scaled digital content and AI-enabled CRM and data, as well as the leadership in-market to compete for and service larger European accounts.

"Anomaly continues to surge around the world because clients resonate with our relentless pursuit of effectiveness, the leveraging of the widest possible meaning of 'creativity' across all marketing tools, and our entrepreneurial ambition. That equation is not easily replicable and, as we expand across continents, it's essential our clients know our partners exemplify what it means to be an anomaly," said Carl Johnson, Anomaly Founding Partner and Executive Chairman. "In What's Next Partners, we have found kindred spirits in Europe, and I could not be more excited to welcome them to our team."

Guy Chauvel, Founder and CEO of WNP, brings an exceptional track record of creative leadership to the partnership, with prior tenures as EVP of J. W. T., the 3rd largest global agency, and CEO of Europe at Havas. He has directly advised on marketing and/or communication strategies for a variety of blue-chip companies including P&G, L'Oréal, Unilever, Rolex, Disney, and more.  He will drive the creation of new client solutions for WNP and the Anomaly Alliance with Carl Johnson, leveraging the breadth and depth of the Stagwell portfolio.

"Advertisers we are talking to or working with are pushing us to go international. We have always kept a close eye on Anomaly over the past 15 years as a source of inspiration and are fascinated by their model and culture," said Guy Chauvel. "When the decision came to choose our new partner, Anomaly was the obvious choice. I am thrilled they agreed. We were also very impressed when meeting a committed, open-minded, and disruptive Stagwell executive team, and are excited to grow further as part of the network."

"2023's exceptional new business pipeline made it clear Stagwell's proposition resonates with clients," added Mark Penn, Chairman and CEO, Stagwell. "We're all-in on expanding our unique tech-forward approach to transforming marketing in France and Europe more broadly. In 2024, we're excited to welcome tested leaders like WNP and Guy and to build a best-in-class European team to support our clients and our talent."

Currently, Anomaly has offices in New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, London, Berlin and Shanghai. Further acquisitions for the Anomaly Alliance will follow ranging from Latin America to Asia Pacific.

WNP will mark Stagwell's third acquisition announced in 2024 following the purchase of Team Epiphany, a culturalist creative agency connecting brands to multicultural consumers, in January 2024; and Sidekick, a creative collective in the U.K., in February 2024.

Lazare Consulting LLC served as the exclusive strategic M&A advisor to WNP.

About Stagwell
Stagwell (NASDAQ: STGW) is the challenger network built to transform marketing. We deliver scaled creative performance for the world's most ambitious brands, connecting culture-moving creativity with leading-edge technology to harmonize the art and science of marketing. Led by entrepreneurs, our specialists in 34+ countries are unified under a single purpose: to drive effectiveness and improve business results for their clients. Join us at www.stagwellglobal.com

About What's Next Partners

WNP has grown to be one of the leading independent players on the French market thanks to the successful integration of varied talents and skillsets such as consumer intelligence, strategic planning, creative advertising campaigns, digital content production, social media & influence, CRM & data analytics, and brand/product marketing innovation. Among its active client portfolio, WNP has gained the trust of large national and international advertisers such as: Danone, Meetic Europe, LVMH, Panzani, Savencia, La Poste, Ecouter Voir, Cora, La Centrale, BASF, Maaf."

CONTACT: 
Sarah Arvizo
pr@stagwellglobal.com  

 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stagwells-stgw-anomaly-alliance-enters-agreement-to-acquire-french-digital-shop-whats-next-partners-as-it-accelerates-global-expansion-302071038.html

SOURCE Stagwell Inc.

FAQ

What is the ticker symbol for Stagwell?

The ticker symbol for Stagwell is STGW on NASDAQ.

Which company has Stagwell acquired in 2024 before What's Next Partners (WNP)?

Before acquiring WNP, Stagwell acquired Team Epiphany and Sidekick in 2024.

Who served as the exclusive strategic M&A advisor to WNP?

Lazare Consulting LLC served as the exclusive strategic M&A advisor to WNP.

What are WNP's areas of expertise?

WNP specializes in data-powered strategies, integrated communications, and creative content.

Which regions will Anomaly Alliance expand to after acquiring WNP?

Anomaly Alliance plans to expand from Latin America to Asia Pacific after acquiring WNP.

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