Stagwell acquires ADK GLOBAL, boosts AI solutions and global footprint

Challenger network Stagwell has announced its intent to buy ADK GLOBAL, a network of overseas subsidiaries managed by ADK Holdings.

Headquartered in Japan and with offices in 10 markets around the world, ADK GLOBAL delivers integrated marketing solutions based on a deep understanding of local markets, media and consumers, establishing itself as a trusted partner for local businesses.

This acquisition comes as Stagwell expands its global footprint and invests further in AI-enabled solutions at the forefront of digital marketing.

By bringing ADK GLOBAL into Stagwell, the network’s regional staff count rises to over 2,000, spanning agencies and affiliates on the ground in Australia, Bangladesh, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

The addition of ADK GLOBAL follows Stagwell’s 11 acquisitions in 2024 across the globe.

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According to a press statement, Stagwell and ADK GLOBAL’s complementing suite of AI-powered solutions for digital marketers are set up to help clients, including global and Asian brands such as LG, Shanghai Disney Resort, Google, Dexcom and Adidas, deliver impactful results.

Furthermore, with the addition of ADK GLOBAL, Stagwell now has a complete offering in APAC of media, creative and public relations for any local, regional or global client opportunity.

“Our vibrant APAC division and its regional coverage are significantly enhanced by the addition of ADK GLOBAL,” said Mark Penn, chairman and CEO of Stagwell. “We’ve been focused on winning local accounts that we can then extend regionally and globally. The ADK GLOBAL team has been pioneers of this strategy and we’re looking forward to introducing their clients to opportunities across borders and to our suite of digital solutions for the modern marketer.”

“ADK GLOBAL has joined Stagwell, a global agency, to collaborate in overseas business. By leveraging Stagwell’s global network, which includes regions in North America, Europe, and Asia, along with their digital-based full services, we will integrate ADK Group’s expertise and personnel to develop our overseas marketing business. This will enable us to provide even more optimal solutions to our client companies, primarily focusing on Japanese clients,” said Toshiya Oyama, representative director, president & Group CEO of ADK Holdings.

Meanwhile, in the content business, including anime and IP, ADK Group will promote the vision of ‘Growing brands and fans,’ and aim to further strengthen its overseas operations by enhancing its business structure, Oyama explained.

“We will continue to strengthen our collaboration with ADK in Japan while maintaining our current management and account teams to provide our services,” said Yasuyuki Katagi, CEO of ADK GLOBAL. “By leveraging the strengths of Stagwell, which operates on a global scale, we will further elevate the quality of our expertise in integrated marketing solutions and contribute to the growth of our clients’ businesses.”

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