STW Invests in Pioneering Digital Agency Fusion

STW, Australasia’s leading marketing content and communications services group, announced today a further step in its digital leadership strategy via a minority stake in Adelaide-based digital powerhouse, Fusion.

 

Fusion was founded by John Chaplin and Damien Mair in 1995, and was one of the first digital agencies to open in Australia. Fusion has since been at the forefront of strategic and creative digital work, executing projects and campaigns both in South Australia and across the Eastern Seaboard.

 

“Fusion is an outstanding full-service digital business with an incredible track record of producing innovative digital work,” said STW’s chief executive, Mike Connaghan. “With capabilities across the digital spectrum and a strong design bent, Fusion is a welcome addition to STW’s powerful and diverse digital ecosystem.”

 

Mr Connaghan said investments in proven digital agencies like Fusion was part of STW’s three- pillared strategic growth focus, one element of which is to continue to grow and dominate in digital.

 

“We’ve already made great steps towards our goal of being a dominant player in digital marketing, with a number of strategic investments in 2012 including Amblique, Bullseye, and Switched on Media, and the opening of DT’s Sydney office,” he said. “Fusion adds further grunt and capabilities to this fast-growth sector in key digital battlegrounds, including mobile and experiential.”

 

Mr Connaghan said with Fusion also recently opening a Sydney office, STW expected to see further growth from the already established consultancy in the coming years.

 

Fusion’s John Chaplin said he was excited by the future prospects that the investment and expansion to Sydney would bring. “We’re excited by the prospect of being part of a larger group that clearly sees the benefit of a digital focus,” he said. “We can see great opportunities to work with a range of other STW partners while providing new service access to our established clients across the country.”

 

“This move will broaden our offer, open up a wider network and pool of knowledge, which will bring huge benefits to staff and clients alike,” added Fusion’s Damien Mair. “STW’s clear focus on digital will provide a strong path to open up new markets and drive business growth both in Adelaide and the eastern states.”

 

Fusion has also forged a strategic alliance with fellow STW-Group brand consultancy SHIFT, which will see the companies join forces to execute brand work. The two have already begun working on significant projects with SHIFT clients, and will co-reside in SHIFT’s Redfern headquarters in Sydney. Fusion Adelaide will retain its CBD office.

 

“Fusion is a digital agency that really understands brand issues, and we’re looking forward to working with them on a range of projects and pitches,” said SHIFT’s MD Iain Good. “The two agencies have a lot in common; we both like to solve business issues through strong branding principles and the application of innovation and strategy. It will be a partnership bound to net great results for both parties, and our clients.”

 

Fusion has 28 staff across its Adelaide and Sydney offices, and boasts a client roster that includes Santos, People's Choice Credit Union and ARUP.