Grey Group returns to Nigerian market, chooses Centrespread as partner
Grey, global communication agency and part of WPP has returned to Nigeria, having appointed 35- year old foremost advertising agency, CentreSpread as its partner in the Nigerian market. Grey operated in Nigeria several years ago with a local partner before exiting the market.
The two new partner companies would rebrand as CentreSpreadGrey in the Nigerian market ready to provide full service-marketing solutions to clients across Nigeria and Africa.
The partnership is part of expansion moves by WPP, one of the world largest global media and communication agencies. It is also a new chapter for CentreSpread which parted ways with FCB about 5 years ago. Under the partnership, CentreSpread would focus on developing a strong local Grey presence in the Nigerian market.
Unveiling the partnership in Lagos, Kola Ayanwale, Centrespread CEO, says he is delighted about the partnership with Grey. “The GREY Group ranks among the world’s top advertising and marketing organisations, with an enviable global footprint.
“GREY’s credentials and achievements are impressive and their unique positioning of ‘Famously Effective’ resonates with the same values that have shaped Centrespread into one of Nigeria’s most successful integrated marketing communications agencies over the last three decades”.
He said the “decision to take on the exciting opportunity of re-establishing Grey in Nigeria and across the continent is one that is met with great enthusiasm by both parties, and we look forward to being an integral part of the continued local and global success of Grey.
“But, above all things, I wish to emphasize that the most important value that the partnership offers is to the Nigerian business environment. We should all be proud of what we have set out to achieve. In doing this deal, we (both Grey and Centrespread) not only further our business interests but we pool our respective strengths, experiences, traditions and creative dynamism to provide a solution for a very acute need for Nigerian businesses, namely birthing timely and cost-effective cutting-edge marketing offerings to break the clutter and excite the market”
Today, Centrespread is made up of all-inclusive integrated marketing communications units which include Centrespread Advertising; DKK, a full service agency offering the full gamut of marketing communications; Interactive Communications, a digital media and online reputation management agency; Pure Activation, a below-the-line agency focused on presence branding and activations; PR Redline, a Public Relations and Reputation Management agency; KontactPoint, an Out of Home channel company and Mediamore, a media specialist agency.
“Africa is the continent of opportunity for future-focused clients,” said James R. Heekin, Chairman and CEO of GREY Group, in a statement. “We are delighted to partner with Centrespread, a world-class marketing organization, and look forward to what we’ll accomplish together in Nigeria and beyond in the coming years.”
DANIEL OBI