Rival ad agencies to merge

Marketing group the Leith Agency has swallowed rival Newhaven Communications.

Under the terms of the deal, Newhaven will continue to operate as before for the “foreseeable future”, with Leith supplying additional strategic planning and creative input.

Richard Marsham, Leith’s managing partner, said: “The coming together of Leith and Newhaven is a clear example of this strategy and our united strength and skillsets can only be of benefit to our clients and staff. Both companies share the same culture and values and we’re excited at the opportunities this merger brings.”

Newhaven is being sold by co-owners Jonathan Shinton and Ken Dixon, for an undisclosed sum. Shinton is staying on for an initial period to help integrate the firm into Leith.

Dixon said: “Since we launched Leith has been one of our biggest competitors, yet we have always maintained a friendly rivalry.

“When pitching against them, we always saw them as the agency to beat and we think they thought the same. Combining forces at such a pivotal point in the world of marketing makes sense on a lot of levels, and we have put together a very simple, smart deal. This mutual respect has delivered the deal quickly and without fuss, and will bring added muscle, energy and opportunity to all parties.”