First Protocol announces acquisition of creative agency COH Associates
06/10/2011
Global event marketing agency First Protocol has announced the acquisition of London-based creative agency COH Associates. The deal sees COH Associates Founder and Managing Director Chris O’Hare join the First Protocol board as both a Director and shareholder, while he and his team will move to First Protocol’s offices in Waterloo.
The acquisition is part of First Protocol’s strategic five year plan to grow market share, enhance its service offering and widen its global footprint and comes five months after the opening of the agency’s Los Angeles office.
First Protocol CEO Richard Waddington commented:
“We went into the recession with no debt and a strong balance sheet; two years on we are now in an even healthier position. We have expanded our client base and doubled the size of the business, while this acquisition brings greater design capabilities in-house, both in terms of traditional and digital media, without weakening our financial stability. It is the second major development this year following our office opening in LA and there is more to come over the next twelve months. We are focused on evolving the business to ensure we continue to meet the constantly changing needs of our clients.”
COH Associates will be referred to as being part of First Protocol but the brand itself will be retained.
Chris O’Hare said
“The acquisition by First Protocol is an exciting development for COH Associates, giving us access to greater investment and infrastructure on an international scale. We plan to grow the team as a result and can therefore guarantee continuity of service to our existing clients while delivering new work for First Protocol. We are delighted to be joining such a highly-respected agency.”
COH Associates services include:
- Event concept, message and design
- Design for print
- iPad/iPhone apps
- Video production and hosting/delivery
- Website architecture and design (including mobile device optimisation)
- Interactive demos
- HTML email marketing
- Branding
- Illustration
- Advertising
- Presentations
- Digital templates
For further information please visit www.coh-associates.com or contact Chris O’Hare:
chris.ohare@coh-associates.com
First Protocol is a leading event marketing agency providing event management, production, creative and consulting services to a diverse range of clients around the world. First Protocol works with some of the most respected brands across the finance, professional services, aerospace and defense, media, healthcare and education sectors, advising them on their event marketing strategy and delivering complex event solutions that fully integrate with the wider marketing mix. First Protocol is a shareholder owned and managed business with offices in London, New York and Los Angeles.
For all enquiries, please contact Simon Mogford, simon.mogford@firstprotocol.com
