GREY has agreed to buy a majority part of the Volcano Group an independent advertising communication group; and therefore it will no make an entrance to the south African market.
The Volcano Group will rebrand as GREY Africa, re-establishing the global advertising giant as a leader in providing creative and effective full-service marketing solutions across the African continent. The Volcano Group will focus on developing a strong local GREY presence in South Africa as well as lead GREY’s expansion in key African markets.
Paul Jackson, Volcano’s Group Managing Director said: “The GREY Group ranks among the world’s top advertising and marketing organizations, 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 guided Volcano to success. The decision to take on the exciting opportunity of re-establishing GREY in South Africa 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 global success of GREY.”
As a full service, through-the-line communications group, Volcano has been operating for over 20 years. Today, Volcano is made up of all-inclusive integrated marketing communications units which include Volcano Advertising, Volcano PR and Social, Volcano Design, Volcano Insights as well as Volcano Digital.
Volcano has also been the lead agency in sub-Saharan Africa for ICOM, the world’s largest group of independent agencies, having successfully managed a network of 27 agencies throughout the MEA region.
David Patton, President and CEO of GREY EMEA, is confident and energized by the new partnership. “The most important outcome of this exciting partnership is the acquisition of talent and expertise that will re-ignite our efforts in establishing a dynamic South African presence for GREY and will also allow us to truly focus on serving international clients across the African continent”, says Patton.