Publicis Groupe (Euronext Paris: FR0000130577) announced today the acquisition of South African media agency Applied Media Logic (AML), which will be aligned with the global media network ZenithOptimedia.
Based in Johannesburg, AML was launched in 2002 and has a staff of 35 media professionals including digital specialists, strategists and media investment advisors. AML is a top 10 media agency in South Africa, and the agency’s blue chip clients include: L’Oréal, Reckitt Benckiser, FutureLife, Frank.net, House of Mandela, Fedhealth and Nashua. In 2009, AML was recognized by Finweek’s AdReview as the Media Agency of the Year in its category.
Following the acquisition, the agency will be branded ZenithOptimedia South Africa. AML’s current Managing Director Kim Weissensee will lead the company as CEO of ZenithOptimedia South Africa. Steve King, Worldwide CEO of ZenithOptimedia, said: “South Africa is a very important market for the ZenithOptimedia network and we are delighted to enhance our presence in this space with the acquisition of AML. It is the leading independent media agency in the country, and has a fantastic reputation for producing innovative work and delivering ROI for clients.”
Kim Weissensee, Managing Director of AML, said: “Over the past 10 years, we have grown AML into one of the leading and most progressive media agencies in South Africa. Now is the right time for us to make the next move in our rapid growth strategy, and ZenithOptimedia is an apt partner and an ideal cultural fit for our business. We are all very excited about the new ZenithOptimedia South Africa.”
This acquisition follows that of the digital marketing agency, Synergize, into Saatchi & Saatchi South Africa in December 2013. According to ZenithOptimedia, South Africa is the eighth fastest growing advertising market in the world between 2013 and 2016, driving the next wave of adspend growth.
