Weber Shandwick buys into Flipside

Weber Shandwick, one of the world’s global communications and engagement firms, has acquired Flipside, a specialised mobile and digital agency. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.The acquisition combines Flipside’s mobile platform expertise, creative and technical services with Weber Shandwick’s global capabilities in social media, brand publishing and integrated media. Together with Flipside, Weber Shandwick will deliver a full-scale, modern digital offering that blends content, community and commerce for both B2C and B2B marketers.Flipside has designed and developed mobile apps and digital experiences for some of the world’s largest global brands. Headquartered in London, with an additional office in Guildford, UK, Flipside’s capabilities also include strategic business and technology planning, social media management and mobile-centric marketing communications.“As our clients realign their marketing efforts around mobile environments, our focus is on bringing them the most creative and transformative solutions possible,” Andy Polansky, chief executive officer, Weber Shandwick said. “Flipside has particularly strong creative and technical expertise, and its team further bolsters Weber Shandwick’s leading position in content marketing and social media.”“To a large extent, marketers still view mobile as a medium to simply extend awareness-building, advertising-minded tactics onto a smaller screen,” said Chris Perry, chief digital officer, Weber Shandwick. “As we manage more of our lives on smart phones, we see the critical need to go far beyond these conventions – to deliver real value to users through new types of digital experiences and business services. Flipside recognised the potential from its start, and now gives Weber Shandwick added depth and dimension to bring new value-based, engagement-driven ideas to life.”