Maxxcom Buys First Agency Outside North America
Maxxcom Inc., a Toronto-based marketing conglomerate with a substantial appetite for U.S. entrepreneur-run advertising and direct marketing agencies, has expanded its acquisition focus beyond North America to Britain, where it acquired a majority interest in Interfocus Network Ltd.The acquisition of a 60 percent interest in Interfocus gives Maxxcom access to clients such as Gillette, Lloyds, Microsoft, Sheaffer Pen, Eurobet.com, London Transport and Diageo. The London-based agency last year recorded billings of $87 million.
"Because Maxxcom's acquiring a non-North American agency, it'll give their
U.S. agency partners an opportunity to branch out into international markets," said Denise Hemingray, spokeswoman at Maxxcom-owned Margeotes Fertitta & Gordon, New York.
Following its acquisition, Interfocus bought Osprey London Ltd., another local shop. Combined, the Interfocus and Osprey billings will total $114 million.
Founded 11 years ago, Interfocus offers services such as Internet and direct marketing, sponsorship, ad production, sales promotion and design.
