Merged Addison looks to Europe

Addison is looking to expand and break into the European market following its merger with Sampson Tyrrell Corporate Marketing this week.

The merged company, which retains the name Addison, creates a 66-strong annual report and multimedia design group for WPP. Some form of merger was mooted when Addison was bought by WPP this summer for up to 8.5m (DW 8 August).

STCM’s team of eight, plus two other Sampson Tyrrell staff, have moved to Addison’s London Bridge offices. Quentin Anderson, managing director of two-year-old STCM, becomes a partner in the new company and Addison’s Simon Lake retains his position as managing partner.

“This industry is about critical mass; by putting us together one has a very effective industry leader,” says Anderson.

Addison is now looking to exploit WPP’s network on the Continent, although there are no immediate plans to open in Europe, says Lake.

The structure of both groups is similar, and STCM effectively makes up Addison’s fourth account group, according to Lake.

“We are already looking for new people,” he adds.

Staff at WPP’s identity and branding group Sampson Tyrrell Enterprise are not affected by the merger.