Marketing agency swoops for Solihull communications firm

Integrated marketing agency Cogent has acquired Solihull-based communications firm NC Creative Group.

Cogent said the deal bolsters Cogent’s its B2B offering, which has grown to include clients such as nPower Business Solutions, Rexel, ATOS, REHAU, QED, Salary Finance and Omega.

As part of the deal, NC Creative’s client base including Volvo Bus, Sandvik and the Commercial Vehicle Show, move to Cogent.

Cogent chief executive Bruce Hutton said: “This deal is the latest in a line of positive changes for Cogent. In the last couple of years we have invested in our people, evolved our brand, introduced our ‘togetherness’ culture and won some brilliant new clients along the way.

“We are passionate about developing our integrated marketing offer and this acquisition accelerates our growth in the B2B marketplace, with our B2B clients now representing around 30% of our total business.

“The team, culture and clients at NC Creative are a great fit with Cogent, and together we will continue to build on our success in the B2B market.”

Richard Smith, NC Creative founder and CEO, said: “Cogent is a very well established and respected marketing agency with exciting growth plans and there is an excellent strategic and cultural fit that underpins this agreement. I believe that this is an extremely positive development for our clients and staff alike and represents an exciting new chapter for the business.”

The 12-strong NC Creative team, now based at Cogent’s HQ in the Midlands, brings the total headcount to 100 staff. Smith will work with Cogent as a senior consultant.

Cogent was founded in 1936 and clients include Kwik Fit, BMW, Yorkshire Water and Marston’s.