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UFO Rodeo expands with Wrestler acquisition
UFO Rodeo Founders Leon Kirkbeck and Michelle Walshe
Independent creative collective UFO Rodeo has acquired leading Wellington production company Wrestler, marking a major step in its national expansion.
The acquisition brings specialist production capability into the UFO Rodeo – which already includes advertising agency Augusto, social media and content company Corner Store, documentary and long-form studio Dark Doris, as well as live events and experiential company Ballyhoo.
Together, these businesses span the full creative spectrum – from strategy to storytelling, content to activations – and now gain a powerful production base in the capital.
More than a footprint expansion
Founded by Ben Forman and Kat Lintott, Wrestler has built a reputation for high production value, purpose-driven storytelling across both commercial and public sector work.
Their portfolio spans emotive brand films to visually arresting content for government and NGOs.
The company is also a supplier on the All-of-Government (AoG) Advertising and Creative Services Panel, a credential that will strengthen the Rodeo’s ability to deliver for government clients.
“This is more than a footprint expansion – it’s a coming together of two values-led, creative businesses that believe in the power of storytelling to shape culture,” says Leon Kirkbeck, CEO of UFO Rodeo.
“We’ve always admired Wrestler from afar and are excited to add their extraordinary craft to the Rodeo as well as their deep understanding of Wellington’s creative and commercial landscape.”
Meaningful work that connects
The move will also see Wrestler take a lead production role for the UFO Rodeo group, supporting content development for major campaigns across Aotearoa and for their international work.
It positions the collective to deliver more ambitious, end-to-end work – from social storytelling and experiential activations to global campaigns.
“We’ve always been about meaningful work that connects with people,” says Ben Forman, Co-founder of Wrestler.
“Joining UFO Rodeo gives us access to a brilliant group of talented people who make work with real impact and opens up exciting opportunities to scale our ambition while staying true to our creative roots.
“The fact that both companies are independently owned and proudly Kiwi makes this even more special,” Forman adds.
Wrestler will retain its name and leadership, continuing to operate from its Wellington base while contributing to the collective’s cross-disciplinary projects internationally.
In the coming months, UFO Rodeo will be engaging with Wellington-based clients and partners to showcase the group’s expanded capabilities.
