The Internet Bureau (IB), “the original New Zealand online media buying agency”, is set to join forces with digital acquisition company Catch!Media, with the decision to merge based on continued online advertising industry growth and the need for a full-service digital offering.
John Schofield, who set up IB in 2000, established another digital media business Catch!Media, “New Zealand’s only fully digital direct response agency”, 12 months ago and secured more than 20 new clients in the first year of operation. The merger brings together this new digital agency team and one of the country’s most experienced digital advertising agencies.
“The IB is renowned for effectively integrating online advertising into media agency planning,” he says. “The structural change we’re making now delivers everything the IB has always done, but with more of a direct to client focus, and at the same time expands on that offer with a full suite of digital services.”
Schofield says the merger will be complete next month and the combined agency will operate under the Catch brand.
“We’re expecting a smooth transition and we’re excited about the new Catch offer,” he says. “We think our clients will benefit greatly from these changes and with so much potential for growth, it’s a good time to be working in the digital space.”
