Match Marketing Group buys Marketing Drive, Weld Media
By Adnews Staff
Toronto-based shopper marketing company Match Marketing Group has acquired Marketing Drive, based in Norwalk, CT, as well as its digital subsidiary Weld Media. The agencies were previously owned by River North Group of Chicago. They specialize in retail activities, digital work, shopper marketing and consumer promotions. According to Match, the acquisition is part of its ongoing effort to expand its operations, particularly in the United States. Marketing Drive has offices in Norwalk, Boston, Chicago, New York and Bentonville, AK. Its clients include Absolut, Dunkin' Donuts, ExxonMobil, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Malibu Rum, Novartis, Philips and Welch's. Weld Media's clients include CVS, Dannon, Mars and Nestle Waters. Michael Harris, president of Marketing Drive and Michael LeBeau, CEO of Weld Media, will continue to lead their respective firms. Vince Parrinello, CEO of River North Group and chairman Kevin Berg will join the board of Match Marketing. No financial details are available. "Our goal is to quickly become the top, full-service shopper marketing agency in North America," said Brett Farren, president and CEO of Match Marketing Group. "Bringing a top ten US shopper marketing and digital agency into the fold provides us with a strong platform in place to pursue new opportunities, new clients and added market success."