Cimex and Ideation Group split

Digital media consultancy Cimex has split from the Ideation Group, parent to Journey and Loewy International.

The consultancy was relaunched last week as Cimex Inc by former Ideation Group co-founder Steve Puxley.

Puxley, who has now relinquished all ownership rights to Ideation Group, is in talks with an undisclosed number of “like-minded companies which share the new media vision”, to bolster the new-look consultancy.

Ideation Group managing director Bryan Wilsher says the two groups will continue to refer work to each other, but believes the split was inevitable. He also says there are no immediate plans to replace Cimex, but won’t rule out future group acquisitions.

Cimex joined the Ideation Group in 1999 and according to Puxley, the different directions of the businesses has meant the split was on the cards for some time.”Our business has been diverging for a number of months, reflecting the changes in the communications industry as a whole. This division allows both sides to focus on their strengths,” he says.

Wilsher adds, “This is a move that recognises the practical way the two businesses have been operating.”

“It’s not a case of either company having outgrown the other and we’re equally happy with this situation as the businesses are left undisturbed. There will be no changes in our management structure,” he adds.

Of the future, Puxley says, “Cimex is in the process of forming a number of strategic alliances and we are actively seeking new partners who share the 21st century brand vision.”

Cimex Inc, based in London’s Islington, has a workforce of 26 and expects to turnover around £2m in the next year.