Independent media agency The Specialist Works (TSW) has bought specialist TV and video advertising company, Pace Media.
TSW, which describes itself as the “only independent global brand performance media agency,” employs 165 people with offices in the UK, USA, China and Europe and partners in most major territories including Australia and Canada.
Pace is part of TSW’s growth strategy which follows its recent acquisition of Atlanta-based Elarbee Media and the opening of its New York office last year. Pace Media will be rebranded to The Specialist Works and its staff will be integrated into TSW’s London operation. Pace founder and MD Nick Illston (below right with Pace CEO Martin Woolley) joins as a director. Pace clients include Miniclip, Zoho and Pretty Simple.
Woolley says: “This is a mouth-watering prospect. There are very few TV agencies in the world that e- and m-commerce companies can trust to scale their businesses, but this acquisition will deliver spectacular, best in class solutions for these brands. Nick and his team share TSW’s ambition and vision and we can’t wait to welcome them and get started on this next exciting chapter together.”
Illston says: “TSW and Pace are two of the most dynamic and forward-thinking agencies in the UK, both driven by data and both with a global outlook. I am sure that together, under the TSW brand, we are going to achieve great things for our clients and teams.”
TSW, whose clients include Boohoo.com, Leo Vegas and Betfred, has also made two senior appointments. Sean Meikle joins as director, strategic planning from M2M where he was managing partner and Sam Sparkes from Response One Direct Marketing becomes client services director.
