Acquisition of full-service agency Stendahls launches iO in the Nordics
iO enters the Nordics with the acquisition of full-service agency Stendahls.
The prestigious Swedish team is known for its holistic approach to brand communication, with 120 experts in strategy, creation and tech. With a strong growth trajectory in Benelux, iO detected the need for an end-to-end, full-service partner in the Nordics.
The acquisition of Stendahls emphasises iO's ambition to build an integrated full-service agency on a pan-European level. iO aims to be a true partner for its clients, allowing them to excel in strategy, creation, content, marketing and technology.
The Nordics - ideal second region for growth ambitions
Sweden is the perfect country to kickstart iO's ambitions in the Nordics. The country's 10.23 million inhabitants are active in more than 1 million companies, with the advertising spending reaching more than 1.2 billion euros last year. Sweden also continues to make its mark in design, gaming and technological innovation across industries.
Similar to Benelux, Sweden's agency landscape is rather fragmented, allowing iO to play an active role as an end-to-end, full-service partner. The acquisition also makes it possible for iO to cater even better to the needs of international clients, where local experts can add value to global deals.
Pieter Janssens, CEO iO:
"Every report on digital adoption marks Sweden as a front-runner. Whether it's about the use of social media, e-commerce or digital banking and financial apps: Sweden is always ahead of the pack. Still, few agencies manage to be true end-to-end partner for their clients. From the moment we met, we knew that Stendahls would be an excellent fit for our company. The team, their expertise and their mindset were perfectly aligned with our own. We both attach great importance to knowledge sharing and making a difference by not only empowering our colleagues but our clients as well.
Stendahls is a well-thought-out choice that will allow us to grow and take the following steps in the region. Not only for the talented people that are out there but also for clients that are looking for a full-service agency that is truly client-focused."
Stendahls - ideal partner to bring creativity, design and technology to the Nordics
Stendahls see themselves as curious innovators, driven by creativity, design and technology. Just like iO in the Benelux, they have seen a growing demand for true digital partners, agencies willing and able to take up end-to-end responsibility. Or even more important: ensure a lasting impact throughout the entire customer journey.
Stendahls is known for its holistic approach to brand communication; with a wide and deep knowledge and experience available, Stendahls continuously creates value for regional and international clients such as Volvo, Husqvarna, Bowers & Wilkins and Sandvik.
Full force on integrated approach across media, markets and boundaries
Henrik Segergren, CEO Stendahls:
"To be honest, it was almost creepy how our vision on marketing, communication and technology seemed a blueprint of the project that Intracto Group is building.
We believe we need to be more client-focused and more client-driven than ever before. Most agencies define their advice and deliveries based on their available resources, not on what the client needs. Just like Intracto Group, we don't want to be that type of agency.
The cultural fit with Intracto Group is 100% and in our ambition to grow the time was right to come together. We put our clients’ brands at the forefront across media, markets and boundaries in a constantly evolving and more digital world."
Contact
Pieter
