Interpublic Group-owned FutureBrand Worldwide is poised to acquire a controlling stake in London broadcast design group English & Pockett. It will form one half of a FutureBrand scheme to establish “global media and entertainment branding practices” in London and New York.
The deal, which would see the TV and screen branding specialist renamed FutureBrand English & Pockett, would leave its existing business structure intact, says FutureBrand Worldwide chief operating officer John Elkins.
Following the acquisition, which Elkins expects to have completed by the end of the month, The English & Pockett business will be used to front a major expansion into Europe for TV and entertainment branding, building on English & Pockett’s work in Germany and Spain.
In the US, a tandem media and entertainment practice will be set up and grown organically, headed by Alan Schulman, former managing director of US branding group Pittard Sullivan, who takes the title executive director, media and entertainment. Together with the London consultancy led by English & Pockett, FutureBrand aims to undertake global media and entertainment projects using the Interpublic Group network.
Media and entertainment are the latest “industries” to be serviced by FutureBrand Worldwide, which is organised by industry sectors, says Elkins.
“We want to co-brand with English & Pockett because it has great equity as a brand name. We will leave the management in place – FutureBrand’s role is to bring new opportunities to its business,” continues Elkins.
He says the aim is for a very rapid expansion of the two groups and that English & Pockett’s growth will be concentrated in Europe for 12 to 18 months.
English & Pockett chief executive officer Darrell Pockett says: “The powerful combination of FutureBrand’s global and brand-focused vision will greatly enhance our premier position on the global stage.”
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