The deal represents the leading investment group's first significant investment in the below-the-line creative sector.
Mvelaphanda Holdings' Chief Executive Officer, Mark Willcox says, “Whilst the deal is relatively uncharacteristic in relation to our core national operations, we have been looking at investing in local growth opportunities within the new media and non traditional agency space for some time now. thirtyfour is our first choice in a sector that represents tremendous growth potential.”
Bob Skinstad will join thirtyfour, representing Mvela Holdings, from 1 March and take up the New Business Development portfolio, working together with 34 Sport Managing Director, Grant Hillary on growing the recently launched Sport Activation division within thirtyfour. Skinstad's local sports marketing credentials and international retail agency experience will prove invaluable in his new role.
thirtyfour founder and CEO, Andy Sutcliffe comments, “This deal presents a true partnership from which we can offer our clients the best of local knowledge and skill coupled with access to an international network. Since our launch last year, transformation and empowerment has been a key objective for the Agency, but we have been wary of a partnership that doesn't add true value to the business or support our future facing vision for the business. thirtyfour's track record is premised on delivering smart below-the-line campaigns that sell, and that, together with our partnership with Mvelaphanda, represents a strategic advantage in a highly specialised market as the Country and companies move closer to realising their 2010 dreams,” concludes Sutcliffe.
The management structure of thirtyfour is as follows:
- Andrew Sutcliffe: CEO
- Grant Hillary: MD, 34 Sport
- Morne Fourie: MD, 34 Brand Activation
- Bob Skinstad: Business Development Director
- Richard Philips: Creative Director
- Judy During: Client Services Director
