Midlands-based marketing tech and outsourcing business Inspired Thinking Group (ITG, below) has bought one of its notable neighbours, marketing agency Connect.
ITG is now a global business and Connect, whose clients include Jaguar Land Rover and Birmingham airport, now has a London base too. Connect was founded in 1993 and now employs 200 people.
ITG CEO Simon Ward says: “This is a significant and exciting move for ITG, as we continue to acquire innovative companies that can help strengthen our customer offer across the globe. Connect has a first class reputation in the digital space and a blue chip client list that reflects its standing in the marketplace.
“Its creative approach to delivering award winning communication campaigns will complement our multi-channel approach to marketing services, creating a compelling, full-service proposition for our growing list of international customers.”
The midlands is the UK’s industrial heartland, famous for car manufacturing among others. Most ad agencies are busily trying to develop or acquire tech resources but, in many ways, it makes better sense for this to happen the other way round with established tech companies – like fast-growing ITG – buying agencies to flesh out their offer.
