M+C Saatchi ANZ to split from global network in management buyout

M+C Saatchi Group ANZ is set to become independently owned after signing heads of terms for a management buyout backed by growth investment firm Parc.

The transaction, which is expected to complete on 1 October, will see the Australia and New Zealand business separate from M+C Saatchi plc while continuing to operate under the M+C Saatchi brand.

The buyout will be led by CEO Dani Bassil alongside chief strategy officer Simon Wassef, executive creative director Jeremy Hogg, chief client officer Anita Zanesco, Re managing director Remi Couzelas and head of sport and entertainment Jack Playfair.

Bassil said the move would allow the agency to make faster local decisions and invest in future growth.

"This is an exciting moment for our business, clients and partners. We have outstanding client relationships and a team of exceptional creative talent across Australia and New Zealand," she said.

"The transaction will allow the locally-led management team to focus entirely on the opportunities in front of us and to shape our future with speed and ambition."

According to the agency, the business will continue to offer its integrated capabilities across creative, consulting, customer experience, design and sport and entertainment, with a focus on investing in customer experience, connected communications, AI and automation.

M+C Saatchi plc executive chair Dame Heather Rabbatts said the transaction formed part of the company's efforts to simplify its operating structure while maintaining the brand's presence in the region.

"I am delighted that the business in Australia and New Zealand will begin a new chapter as we continue to simplify our operational structure," she said.

Parc co-founder Adam Pozniak said the investment reflected confidence in both the local market and entrepreneur-led agency models.

"We're delighted to back Dani and the leadership team in this next chapter. M+C Saatchi Group ANZ have built a genuinely differentiated offer in the region, and we see significant opportunity to support their growth ambitions, both organically and through further investment."

The announcement comes at a pivotal time for the agency. Earlier this week, Woolworths appointed Droga5 as its new lead creative agency after M+C Saatchi chose not to defend the account, while Commonwealth Bank shifted its creative business to Howatson+Company following a review earlier this year.

The transaction remains subject to customary conditions and consents.