The two firms have experience in serving many clients across the same sectors, such as tourism, energy, government and real estate
Full-service digital agency Evans Hunt has grown significantly since Dan Evans and Bill Hunt decided to join forces to launch their own company 15 years ago.
Today, it has a full-time staff count of 120 of which more than 90 per cent are fully home-based and 25 per cent of those are not residents of the city, thus allowing Evans Hunt to recruit top talent from a wide field. That’s been a big positive to the firm with a clientele that now includes one-third of its clients based in the U.S.
In looking for more ways to expand, the managing partners felt that a partnership would be the best way to move forward and last week, after lengthy discussions, they announced that Evans Hunt has been acquired by Mod Op. Based in Miami, the leading insights-driven marketing agency merges artificial intelligence, data science and human creativity to deliver creative and strategic solutions for leading brands like Nestlé, Duracell, ExxonMobil, the $4-billion Baha Mar resort in the Bahamas, and a host of Fortune 500 brands.
“We are thrilled to join Mod Op, a global agency that shares our vision of delivering innovative and impactful solutions for our clients,” says Hunt. “Mod Op’s expertise and growth-oriented culture will enable us to expand our service offering and reach new markets. We are excited to work with Mod Op’s talented teams across North America and beyond, and to leverage their network and resources to create unforgettable experiences for our clients.”
Mod Op has nine offices throughout the U.S., a tech group of 50 in Panama City, and two years ago acquired Toronto-based Context Creative that, including Evans Hunt, now gives it over 170 team members in Canada.
Eric J. Bertrand, CEO Mod Op, who was in Calgary last week to enjoy the Stampede and meet with the Evans Hunt senior team, says, “With their reputation of adaptability and growth, the acquisition of Evans Hunt emphasizes how skilled our team has become in attracting and integrating world-class marketing firms.”
The two firms have experience in serving many clients across the same sectors, such as tourism, energy, government and real estate, so the partnership aligns well in serving current clients.
Headquartered in Calgary and with a strong presence in Vancouver, Evans Hunt has built up a powerful reputation for its expertise in the digital and product space. The agency is also known for its robust culture of audience obsession and customer insight, supported by an in-house research team.
It has built up a strong and diverse portfolio that includes long-term clients across various industries. They include such names as Rogers, Travel Alberta, Glassdoor, Pursuit, Alterra and Brookfield Residential.
The name Evans Hunt will remain for the time being but the goal is to bring the Canadian offices together into Mod Op Canada, which will then be one of the country’s largest independent agencies.
“Mod Op’s mission to blend human creativity with technology was how we knew they were the right partner for us,” added Evans. “We absolutely believe that combination is the one-two punch that gives our clients something few others can give. We are excited about continuing the journey as part of Mod Op.”
Mod Op’s acquisition of Evans Hunt marks the company’s largest to date and strengthens its presence and capabilities in Canada, particularly in the travel and tourism, energy, and telecom sectors.
Notes:
- The Dragon Boat Race & Festival is one of this city’s most exciting, family-friendly sporting events. And 4,000 or so spectators each year get to watch the 1,850 competitors in their colourful long boats race for free.Now in its 31st year, the festival kicks off Friday evening, Aug. 9, and continues through to the races on Sunday, Aug. 11. The three-day event takes place at North Glenmore Park boasting 50 vendors, 15 food tucks, and a non-stop calendar of cultural and fun things to watch and do.
- Harvey Russell, senior vice president and principal at NAI Advent, along with his team, has brought a choice parcel of land for sale along the QEII that is expected to attract some prime commercial developers. Located just south of the new 40th Avenue S.W. overpass in Airdrie, it consists of three lots totalling over 24 acres between the highway and South Point Village.
David Parker appears regularly in the Herald. Read his columns online at calgaryherald.com/business. He can be reached at 403-830-4622.