Dentsu boosts design offer with Attik purchase

Creative and brand consul tancy Attik, with offices in the UK and the US, has been acquired by advertising network Dentsu, for an undisclosed amount. Under the terms of the deal, Attik’s management team will remain in place and all its offices will retain the company’s brand identity as an independent consultancy network within Dentsu. James Sommerville will continue as creative director of Attik UK, which will operate from its existing Leeds offices. Richard Peralta, former Attik chief executive, will become president of the US operation, reporting to Tim Andree, chief executive of Dentsu America. William Travis, president of Attik’s US operations, is to move into the role of vicepresident and Simon Needham will remain US creative director.

The division will maintain its San Francisco headquarters, while the west Hollywood office will move into the offices of Dentsu America, Los Angeles in Santa Monica. Its New York studio will move into Dentsu America’s new headquarters in that city.

‘Now we are about to evolve further to stay ahead of our clients’ needs, by taking this position within Dentsu,’ says Sommerville. ‘We believe the outcome will be a powerful communications company that will deliver the highestlevel creative solutions to our clients.’

Dentsu America was founded in 1966. It reported 2007 billings of $220m (£105m). Key clients include Toyota, Canon and Express Jet. Attik’s clients include Scion, Coca-Cola and Adidas.