Mid-Sized Global Challenger Adds Significant Scale to Further Accelerate Growth and Capabilities

Zeno Group, the global integrated communications agency, today announced that it has acquired 3 Monkeys Communications, one of the UK’s leading independent communications consultancies. The acquisition positions Zeno as a uniquely mid-sized global, independent agency, and enables 3 Monkeys to export its special brand of award-winning communications work around the world.

During the last 12 years, 3 Monkeys has developed a leading reputation in the UK and Europe for game-changing work across consumer, corporate and b2b communications for an impressive range of brands for a diverse range of sectors including healthcare, financial services, FMCG and technology. The agency has carried out  award-winning-creative and commercially-astute campaigns for some of the world’s largest companies.

Similarly, Zeno has experienced stellar growth over recent years. Part of Daniel J Edelman (DJE) Holdings, Zeno expanded globally in 2012 with the UK as its European hub. Zeno Asia, also launched in 2012, now numbers eight offices and has been recognized for its leading-edge digital and integrated communications work.

In the UK, the newly-combined entity will number around 75 people and will be known as 3 Monkeys | Zeno. 3 Monkeys founder Angie Moxham becomes Chief Monkey, Zeno Europe. Christine Jewell, Managing Director 3 Monkeys | Zeno, will run the day-to-day UK operations. Steve Earl will work with both as Managing Director, Zeno Europe.

“The acquisition of 3 Monkeys is a major step forward for Zeno as we continue to realize our global ambitions. We are scaling our unique Zeno brand and values so that we can serve clients where they need us, regionally and globally. We are big enough to take on the most challenging and complex assignments in the Americas, Asia and Europe, while still giving that personalized, senior-level attention and highly-collaborative approach that clients rely on,” said Barby K. Siegel, CEO, Zeno Group.

“With 3 Monkeys | Zeno, we now have a more powerful platform from which to grow in Europe and beyond. Cultural fit was of paramount importance to Angie and to me. The similarities in our approach and business philosophy are uncanny. Together we will be a formidable and fearless communications force,” Siegel added.

Angie Moxham, 3 Monkeys founder and Chief Monkey, Zeno Europe, said: “This is massive news for us.  The board and I believe it’s the best next chapter for the company, all us Monkeys and for our clients. We have been looking at how we globalize 3 Monkeys for a few years now, in response to client demand, including us going on the acquisition trail. No route, however, could come close to the capabilities and bandwidth we gain on day one by joining forces with Zeno. We can now support current and future clients with our special monkey magic around the world, with people who think and behave in the same way as us. Importantly, we also remain independent.”

Richard Edelman, chairman, DJE Holdings commented: “We have grown Zeno from a small sister agency in the US to a global, highly respected mid-sized firm, approaching 400 people and nearly $60 million in annual revenues. Around a third of Zeno’s revenue is now derived from outside the US. This combination with the additional brilliance of 3 Monkeys accelerates the global expansion of Zeno, which is already delivering game-changing, award-winning work for clients. Bottom line: these are two companies that were meant to be together. I join Barby in welcoming Angie and all the 3 Monkeys team to the Zeno family.”