The Independents Continues Its Shopping for Spree With Kennedy Acquisition

Trend public relations large The Independents is including one other company to its portfolio with the acquisition of London-based Kennedy.

Kennedy specialises in strategic consulting for manufacturers on initiatives with a cultural and leisure bent, normally occasions. It’s labored with various main trend labels, together with Miu Miu, Valentino, Marni and Prada on pop-ups like Prada Mode, which the model describes as a “travelling social membership” that featured an artwork set up, meals and extra. The company, which was based by Jan Kennedy in 2000, relies in London, however has places of work in North America, Europe, the Center East and Asia.

“The acquisition of Kennedy will carry a decisive breakthrough for the group as manufacturers more and more suppose each domestically and globally,” mentioned Isabelle Chouvet, CEO of The Independents, which is father or mother to companies together with Karla Otto, Bureau Betak and influencer advertising agency Lefty. “We’re satisfied this may carry sturdy alternatives for everybody at The Independents, as already demonstrated by key collaborations with different companies of the group, corresponding to K2 in Asia.”

That is simply the most recent acquisition for The Independents, which has been on one thing of a shopping for spree over the previous 12 months or in order it places its $400 million funding (introduced in June of final 12 months) to make use of, notably in build up its muscle in experiential advertising. Most not too long ago, it acquired Paris-based set design agency Atelier Athem, whereas it acquired Bureau Betak, the worldwide occasions manufacturing company, in September 2021; Prodject, the New York-based company behind the Met Gala in March 2023 and manufacturing companies Atelier Lum and INCA Productions in December 2023. Kennedy is the eleventh agency beneath The Independents’ possession.

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With the information that The Independents is including one other agency, Ctzar, to its roster, BoF breaks down the components driving consolidation within the house, and what it means for the business.