Go-go Talon ups international expansion with US Out of Home media buy Grandesign

Talon, the UK’s biggest independent Out of Home agency, has bought the OOH business of Grandesign, the US’ second-largest independent in the sector.

Grandesign’s traditional offices in San Diego, Denver, St. Louis, Los Angeles and Atlanta will take the Talon name. Talon already has a New York office under MD Irina Zeltser.

Talon recently appointed senior Omnicom media executive Barry Cupples as its global CEO.

Talon founder and executive shareholder Eric Newnham (left) says: “This is arguably our most exciting move to date with the US offering real opportunity to embrace our approach that has brought success to date. Data and technology is enabling real differentiation and growth for us globally, and this is part of a wider expansion programme that is just beginning.”

Grandesign founder and former CEO Aaron Gaeir, who remains as chief revenue officer, says: “It was refreshing to find a likeminded company that is driven by cultivating people and building a tempting work environment, but also had best-in-class technology, data, the big shoulders and the executive leadership for continued aggressive growth.

“This is the secret to clear competitive advantages and market dominance and will enable us to reach our goals of becoming the largest and most sophisticated Out of Home buying service, not only in the US, but globally.”