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Third Quarter GAAP Revenue growth of 104.6%

Third Quarter Pro Forma Organic Net Revenue growth of 22.8%, 27.9% excluding Advocacy

Third Quarter Net Loss attributable to Stagwell was $2.1 million

Third Quarter Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDA of $100 million

Company Raises Full Year Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDA outlook

REPORTED THIRD QUARTER & YTD HIGHLIGHTS:

• GAAP revenue of $466.6 million in the third quarter versus $228.1 million in the prior year period, an increase of 104.6%; and $857.4 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2021 versus $575.0 million in the prior year period, an increase of 49.1%.
• Net revenue of $409.1 million in the third quarter versus $152.9 million in the prior year period, an increase of 167.6%; and $749.2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2021 versus $434.1 million in the prior year period, an increase of 72.6%.
• Net loss attributable to Stagwell Inc. common shareholders of $2.1 million in the third quarter of 2021 versus net income of $17.8 million in the prior year period; and income of $14.1 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2021 versus $34.1 million in the prior year period.
• Adjusted EBITDA of $87.5 million in the third quarter versus $37.1 million in the prior year period, an increase of 135.8%; and $150.1 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2021 versus $79.0 million in the prior year period, an increase of 90.0%.

PRO FORMA REPORTED THIRD QUARTER & YTD STAGWELL INC. HIGHLIGHTS:

• Pro Forma GAAP revenue of $568.3 million in the third quarter versus $511.5 million in the prior year period, an increase of 11.1%; and $1,612.4 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2021 versus $1,445.8 million in the prior year period, an increase of 11.5%.
• Pro Forma net revenue of $498.1 million in the third quarter versus $397.8 million in the prior year period, an increase of 25.2%; and $1,407.1 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2021 versus $1,185.4 million in the prior year period, an increase of 18.7%.
• Pro Forma organic net revenue increased 22.8% in the third quarter and 15.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2021.
• Pro Forma adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended September 30, 2021 was $100.3 million versus $89.3 million in the prior year period, an increase of 12.4%. Pro forma adjusted EBITDA Margin was 20.1%, compared to 22.4% in the prior year period. Excluding the impact of the advocacy business, adjusted EBITDA margins would have been 20.1% in the third quarter of 2021 and 19.3% the third quarter of
• Pro Forma adjusted EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 was $275.3 million versus $205.9 million in the prior year period, an increase of 33.7%. Adjusted EBITDA Margin was 19.6%, compared to 17.4% in the prior year period.
• Net New Business wins totaled $63.7 million in the third quarter.

New York, NY, November 3, 2021 (NASDAQ: STGW) – Stagwell Inc. (“Stagwell”) today announced financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021.

“Stagwell’s third quarter results make one thing very clear: the combination is working. We delivered pro forma organic net revenue growth of 23%, a pro forma adjusted EBITDA margin over 20%, and are pleased to raise our full year adjusted EBITDA guidance on the basis of our results to date,” said Mark Penn, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Stagwell. “Our growth this quarter was driven by double-digit, pro forma net revenue growth across nearly all our client offerings, including digital transformation, communications, media and data analytics. On a year-over-year basis excluding the advocacy business, pro forma organic net revenue grew 28%. With net new business of $64 million, this is a strong first quarter as a newly combined company.”

Frank Lanuto, Chief Financial Officer, commented: “The Company reported strong third quarter pro forma results with GAAP revenue of $568 million, net revenue of $498 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $100 million. Organic pro forma net revenue growth of 23% for the quarter, as well as growth from 2019 of 14%, are evidence of the Company’s recovery from the pandemic and transition to a new phase of overall growth.”

Third Quarter and Year-to-Date 2021 Pro Forma Financial Results

Pro Forma net revenue for the third quarter of 2021 was $498.1 million versus $397.8 million for the third quarter of 2020, an increase of 25.2%.

Pro Forma organic net revenue increased 22.8%, and foreign exchange and acquisitions, net of dispositions, had a positive impact of 0.7% and 1.6%, respectively. Organic net revenue increased primarily due to a continuation of the recovery in spending by clients begun in the first quarter.

Net New Business wins in the third quarter of 2021 totaled $63.7 million.

Pro Forma adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter of 2021 was $100.3 million versus $89.3 million for the third quarter of 2020, an increase of 12.4%, primarily driven by strong revenue growth. Pro Forma adjusted EBITDA margin in the third quarter of 2021 was 20.1%, down from 22.4% compared to the same period in 2020. Excluding the impact of the advocacy business, adjusted EBITDA margins would have been 20.1% for the third quarter of 2021 and 19.3% for the third quarter of 2020.

Pro Forma net revenue for the first nine months of 2021 was $1,407.1 million versus $1,185.4 million in the prior year period.

Pro Forma organic net revenue for the nine months ended 2021 increased by 15.6% and foreign exchange and acquisitions, net of dispositions, had a positive impact of 1.3% and 1.8%, respectively.

Pro Forma adjusted EBITDA for the first nine months of 2021 was $275.3 million versus $205.9 million in the first nine months of 2020, an increase of 33.7%. This led to an Adjusted EBITDA Margin of 19.6% versus 17.4% in prior year period.

Financial Outlook

2021 financial guidance is as follows:

• Revenue for 2021, on a pro forma basis giving effect to the combination as if it was completed on January 1, 2021, is estimated to be $2.150 to $2.180 billion, including approximately $755 million for legacy MDC for the seven-month period ended July 31, 2021.

• Adjusted EBITDA for 2021, on a pro forma basis giving effect to the combination as if it was completed on January 1, 2021, is estimated to be $370 to $380 million, including approximately $124 million for legacy MDC for the seven-month period ended July 31, 2021.

• Guidance assumes no impact from foreign exchange or acquisitions or dispositions.

Conference Call

Management will host a video webcast and conference call on Wednesday, November 3, 2021, at 8:30 a.m. (ET) to discuss results for Stagwell Inc. for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021.  The video webcast will be accessible at https://kvgo.com/corporate-services/stagwell-group-earnings-call-q3. An investor presentation has been posted on our website at www.stagwellglobal.com and may be referred to during the conference call.

A recording of the conference call will be accessible one hour after the call and available for ninety days at www.stagwellglobal.com.

Stagwell Inc.

Stagwell is the challenger network built to transform marketing. We deliver scaled creative performance for the world’s most ambitious brands, connecting culture-moving creativity with leading-edge technology to harmonize the art and science of marketing.  Led by entrepreneurs, our 10,000+ specialists in 20+ countries are unified under a single purpose: to drive effectiveness and improve business results for their clients. Join us at www.stagwellglobal.com.

Basis of Presentation

The acquisition of MDC Partners (MDC) by Stagwell Marketing Group (SMG) was completed on August 2, 2021. The results of MDC are included within the Statement of Operations for the period beginning on the date of the acquisition through the end of the respective period presented and the results of SMG are included for the entire period presented.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In addition to its reported results, Stagwell Inc has included in this earnings release certain financial results that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) defines as “non-GAAP Financial Measures.”  Management believes that such non-GAAP financial measures, when read in conjunction with the Company’s reported results, can provide useful supplemental information for investors analyzing period to period comparisons of the Company’s results. Such non-GAAP financial measures include the following:

Pro Forma Results: The Pro Forma amounts presented for each period were prepared by combining the historical standalone statements of operations for each of legacy MDC and SMG. The unaudited pro forma results are provided for illustrative purposes only and do not purport to represent what the actual consolidated results of operations or consolidated financial condition would have been had the combination actually occurred on the date indicated, nor do they purport to project the future consolidated results of operations or consolidated financial condition for any future period or as of any future date. The Company has excluded a quantitative reconciliation of adjusted Pro Forma EBITDA to net income under the “unreasonable efforts” exception in Item 10(e)(1)(i)(B) of Regulation S-K.

(1) Organic Revenue: “Organic revenue growth” and “organic revenue decline” refer to the positive or negative results, respectively, of subtracting both the foreign exchange and acquisition (disposition) components from total revenue growth. The acquisition (disposition) component is calculated by aggregating prior period revenue for any acquired businesses, less the prior period revenue of any businesses that were disposed of during the current period. The organic revenue growth (decline) component reflects the constant currency impact of (a) the change in revenue of the partner firms that the Company has held throughout each of the comparable periods presented, and (b) “non-GAAP acquisitions (dispositions), net”. Non-GAAP acquisitions (dispositions), net consists of (i) for acquisitions during the current year, the revenue effect from such acquisition as if the acquisition had been owned during the equivalent period in the prior year and (ii) for acquisitions during the previous year, the revenue effect from such acquisitions as if they had been owned during that entire year (or same period as the current reportable period), taking into account their respective pre-acquisition revenues for the applicable periods, and (iii) for dispositions, the revenue effect from such disposition as if they had been disposed of during the equivalent period in the prior year.

(2) Net New Business: Estimate of annualized revenue for new wins less annualized revenue for losses incurred in the period.

(3) Adjusted EBITDA: Adjusted EBITDA is defined as Net income excluding non-operating income or expense to achieve operating income, plus depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, deferred acquisition consideration adjustments, and other items. Other items include restructuring costs, acquisition-related expenses, and non-recurring items.

(4) Financial Guidance:  The Company provides guidance on a non-GAAP basis as it cannot predict certain elements which are included in reported GAAP results.

Included in this earnings release are tables reconciling reported Stagwell Inc. results to arrive at certain of these non-GAAP financial measures.

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Statements in this press release that are not historical facts, including without limitation the information under the heading “Financial Outlook” and statements about the Company’s beliefs and expectations, earnings (loss) guidance, recent business and economic trends, potential acquisitions, and estimates of amounts for redeemable noncontrolling interests and deferred acquisition consideration, constitute forward-looking statements. Words such as “estimates”, “expects”, “contemplates”, “will”, “anticipates”, “projects”, “plans”, “intends”, “believes”, “forecasts”, “may”, “should”, and variations of such words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current plans, estimates and projections, and are subject to change based on a number of factors, including those outlined in this section.  Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly any of them in light of new information or future events, if any.

      Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Such risk factors include, but are not limited to, the following:

• risks associated with international, national and regional unfavorable economic conditions that could affect the Company or its clients, including as a result of the novel coronavirus pandemic (“COVID-19”);
• the effects of the outbreak of COVID-19, including the measures to reduce its spread, and the impact on the economy and demand for our services, which may precipitate or exacerbate other risks and uncertainties;
• an inability to realize expected benefits of the redomiciliation of the Company from the federal jurisdiction of Canada to the State of Delaware (the “Redomiciliation”) and the subsequent combination of the Company’s business with the business of the subsidiaries of Stagwell Media LP (“Stagwell”) that own and operate a portfolio of marketing services companies (the “Business Combination” and, together with the Redomiciliation, the “Transactions”);
• adverse tax consequences in connection with the Transactions for the Company, its operations and its shareholders, that may differ from the expectations of the Company, including that future changes in tax law, potential increases to corporate tax rates in the United States and disagreements with the tax authorities on the Company’s determination of value and computations of its attributes may result in increased tax costs;
• the occurrence of material Canadian federal income tax (including material “emigration tax”) as a result of the Transactions;
• the impact of uncertainty associated with the Transactions on the Company’s businesses;
• direct or indirect costs associated with the Transactions, which could be greater than expected;
• risks associated with severe effects of international, national and regional economic conditions;
• the Company’s ability to attract new clients and retain existing clients;
• reduction in client spending and changes in client advertising, marketing and corporate communications requirements;
• financial failure of the Company’s clients;
• the Company’s ability to retain and attract key employees;
• the Company’s ability to achieve the full amount of its stated cost saving initiatives;
• the Company’s implementation of strategic initiatives;
• the Company’s ability to remain in compliance with its debt agreements and the Company’s ability to finance its contingent payment obligations when due and payable, including but not limited to those relating to redeemable noncontrolling interests and deferred acquisition consideration;
• the successful completion and integration of acquisitions which complement and expand the Company’s business capabilities; and
• foreign currency fluctuations.

 Investors should carefully consider these risk factors, other risk factors described herein, and the additional risk factors outlined in more detail in Exhibit 99.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on August 10, 2021, and accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov., under the caption “Risk Factors,” and in the Company’s other SEC

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NEW YORK, Oct. 27, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Stagwell today announced that two of its agencies, Anomaly and 72andSunny, were recognized at The Association of National Advertisers (ANA) 2021 Multicultural Excellence Awards.

Anomaly and 72andSunnny combined for six total wins across an array of multicultural marketing categories including: Asian, Demonstrated Growth, LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender), Print, Small Budget and Socially Responsible, where Anomaly capped off a highly decorated evening with a Grand Prize win for its ‘When We all Vote’ campaign in partnership with Vote Loud. With four total wins, Anomaly was the recipient of more awards than any other agency at the event. 72andSunny received two wins for “Football is For Everyone” winning in both the LGTBQ+ and Small Budget categories.

Additional client partners recognized include National Football League, Netflix, Can-Am On-Road and Don Julio.

Winning campaigns include:

• When We All Vote – A component of Michelle Obama’s When We All Vote initiative, this campaign from Anomaly was a rally cry to engage and challenge Gen Z to prepare to vote ahead of the 2020 Election season. It is the Grand Prize winner in the Socially Responsible category.
• Football is For Everyone – 72andSunny teamed up its long-term client partner the NFL to show support for Carl Nassib, the first active NFL player to come out as openly gay, and plant a flag for what they believe: football is for everyone. The team created a powerful film in partnership with LGBTQ support organization The Trevor Project, driving donations to the non-profit.
• Don Julio Cinco de Mayo – Anomaly worked with Don Julio to encourage consumers to support their favorite local establishments, as well introduce a fund in honor of the brands’ founder that will commit $1 million in aid over the next four years to charities supporting Mexican bartenders and restaurant workers.
• Welcome to Our World – Effort between Anomaly and Netflix to celebrate the various AAPI entertainers and creators who have bolstered Netflix’s expansive global content offering and spotlight contributions of AAPI talent to the entertainment industry.
• Can-Am On-Road Women’s Mentorship Program – Anomaly and Can-Am teamed up to launch a program designed to help overcome the barriers that prevent women from experiencing the power of motorcycle riding through inclusivity and education.

The ANA Multicultural Excellence Awards program showcases best-in-class examples of multicultural marketing — work that features powerful cultural insights that ultimately helps brands to effectively connect with diverse consumers.

For more information on Stagwell, please visit www.stagwellglobal.com

ABOUT STAGWELL

Stagwell is the challenger network built to transform marketing. We deliver scaled creative performance for the world’s most ambitious brands, connecting culture-moving creativity with leading-edge technology to harmonize the art and science of marketing.  Led by entrepreneurs, our 10,000+ specialists in 20+ countries are unified under a single purpose: to drive effectiveness and improve business results for their clients. Join us at www.stagwellglobal.com.

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NEW YORK, Oct. 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Stagwell (NASDAQ: STGW) announced today the agenda for its fall investor introduction event on November 8, 2021. Credentialed press are invited to register. Visit this link to reserve a spot.

The event will feature four presentations:

–   Stagwell’s Strategic Direction with Chairman and CEO Mark Penn, joined by President Jay Leveton and Integrated Solutions lead Julia Hammond
–   Our Growth Engine, featuring YML CEO Ashish Toshniwal, Code and Theory CEO Dan Gardner, Stagwell Media Network Chief Product Officer Brad Simms and Targeted Victory CEO Zac Moffatt.
–   Investment & Financials, presented by Stagwell Chief Investment Officer Jason Reid and Chief Financial Officer Frank Lanuto.
–   Future of the Consumer Economy, a fireside chat with former Treasury Secretary Lawrence H. Summers and Stagwell Chairman and CEO Mark Penn, moderated by the Wall Street Journal’s Gerry Baker.

The event will be hosted at Stagwell’s global campus at 1 World Trade Center in Manhattan, N.Y., and a portion of the event will be streamed live via video webcast. Vaccinations will be required for in-person attendees. A recording of the presentation will be available after the event on Stagwell’s website, www.stagwellglobal.com.

ABOUT STAGWELL

Stagwell is the challenger network built to transform marketing. We deliver scaled creative performance for the world’s most ambitious brands, connecting culture-moving creativity with leading-edge technology to harmonize the art and science of marketing.  Led by entrepreneurs, our 10,000+ specialists in 20+ countries are unified under a single purpose: to drive effectiveness and improve business results for their clients. Join us at www.stagwellglobal.com.

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NEW YORK, Oct. 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Stagwell (NASDAQ: STGW) and Serviceplan Group have formed a strategic alliance to serve international clients. Stagwell is now working hand in hand with Serviceplan’s media arm, Mediaplus Group. The two independent holdings will use their respective regional roots and strengths to cover and expand the market in North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region and offer their complementary services to a more diverse group of clients. The focus is on mutual support in the conception, planning and implementation of media strategies for global clients.

“This strategic alliance creates a solid alternative to the legacy holding companies that until now have been a marketer’s only option when they want global scale,” said Stagwell Chairman and CEOMark Penn. “Collaborating with Serviceplan enhances our ability to deliver integrated customer experiences and targeted media strategies tailored to local markets inEuropeandAsia-Pacific.”

“Stagwell’s technology-first approach and deep expertise in media, creative and digital transformation are well-matched to our capabilities and pave the way for rapid growth, scaled solutions and deeper local market expertise,” said Serviceplan Group CEO, Florian Haller. “This strategic alliance positions both companies to deliver unmatched business results for our clients.”

This strategic alliance meaningfully expands both holding companies’ traditional media capabilities across Europe and NAM, and digital media capabilities globally:

• Stagwell is the challenger holding company built to transform marketing. It is home to Stagwell Media Network, a group of leading multichannel agencies including Assembly, MMI Agency, Media Kitchen, and Grason, creative consultancy GALE, B2B specialist Multiview, and transcreation agency Locaria. SMN dynamically scales solutions spanning data, technology, media and creativity for global B2B and B2C companies, helping accelerate business growth. The network boasts more than 2500 experts across 20+ offices in 15 countries and manages close to $5 billion in media.
• Serviceplan Group with its media agency Mediaplus is Europe’s largest independent agency group and the largest independent media buyer in the region, with a 60-40 investment across digital and linear channels. Home to more than 4,400 employees across 24 locations in 17 countries, Serviceplan’s “House of Communications” approach drives results for clients including BMW, De’Longhi, Lufthansa and Siemens Healthineers.

Together, Stagwell and Serviceplan Group will oversee $10 billion in media and provide clients a wide range of scaled complimentary services across global media, content, and digital transformation solutions. As part of the partnership, Serviceplan Group and its clients will be able to leverage Stagwell’s impressive portfolio of cutting-edge SaaS digital marketing products, including Koalifyed, CUE, PRophet, and Harris Brand Platform. Stagwell’s cooperation with Mediaplus provides access to the largest independent buying network in Europe and a unique portfolio of AI-based media planning tools and instruments.

“With Serviceplan’s strong capabilities in local markets and the cross-border approach we both take, our globally combined 15,000 team members have exactly the right mix of digital and traditional media capabilities to drive greater results for our clients,” said Deirdre McGlashan, Chief Media Officer, Stagwell. “Intentionally architected as a strengths-based partnership, we remain autonomous entities yet still have a ‘1+1=3’ effect.”

“Today, companies operate transcontinental, so we also have to set up the strategy, planning and buying of media across all borders. With Stagwell, we have found our counterpart as an independent yet internationally active agency network on the other side of the Atlantic. Through the cooperation, we use the synergies from the cultural, geographical and service competencies of our organizations to build a strategic alliance for the benefit of our teams, our industry and our clients,” adds Matthias Brüll, Chief Executive Officer, Mediaplus International.

To ring in the partnership, Stagwell and Serviceplan Group will launch a global thought leadership series with programming covering global market expansion, global media strategies, the trend towards the union of media and creativity and more. Additional details will be announced soon. 

About Stagwell 
Stagwell is the challenger holding company built to transform marketing. We deliver scaled creative performance for the world’s most ambitious brands, connecting culture-moving creativity with leading-edge technology to harmonize the art and science of marketing.  Led by entrepreneurs, our 10,000+ specialists in 30+ countries are unified under a single purpose: to drive effectiveness and improve business results for their clients. Join us at www.stagwellglobal.com.

About Serviceplan Group 
The Serviceplan Group is Europe’s largest independent, partner-managed agency group. 

Founded over 50 years ago as an advertising agency, Serviceplan quickly developed the concept of the “House of Communication” – to date, Germany’s only fully integrated agency model that combines all modern communication disciplines under one roof, whether brand strategists, creative, media, digital or technology experts, market researchers, PR consultants or sales professionals. With 24 of its own locations the Serviceplan Group is represented in 17 countries worldwide. In addition to the three largest agency brands, Serviceplan, Mediaplus and Plan.Net, the Group includes the market research institute Facit, the realization agency Solutions, and the strategic consultancy agency Serviceplan Consulting. 
https://www.serviceplan.com

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Serviceplan and Stagwell have announced a transatlantic team-up for media buying and planning

Stagwell Group and Serviceplan Group have teamed up across the Atlantic for a strategic media buying partnership. What’s behind this transatlantic team-up?

Stagwell Group, the American ’challenger’ agency network led by former Microsoft executive Mark Penn, and Serviceplan Group, the largest independent agency network in Europe, have struck a strategic partnership across their media operations.

The alliance between the two agency groups will see Serviceplan’s Mediaplus Group work ’hand-in-hand’ with Stagwell Media Network, with the aim of expanding their respective footholds in the US and western Europe. Clients of either group will be offered services derived from the other, the groups said.

Chairman and Stagwell chief executive officer Penn said: “This strategic alliance creates a solid alternative to the legacy holding companies that until now have been a marketer’s only option when they want global scale. Collaborating with Serviceplan enhances our ability to deliver integrated customer experiences and targeted media strategies tailored to local markets in Europe and Asia-Pacific.”

Serviceplan boss Florian Heller said: ”Stagwell’s technology-first approach and deep expertise in media, creative and digital transformation are well matched to our capabilities and pave the way for rapid growth, scaled solutions and deeper local market expertise. This strategic alliance positions both companies to deliver unmatched business results for our clients.”

Why have the two groups teamed up?

The partnership will oversee some $10bn in media. Stagwell will gain access to Serviceplan’s extensive media network and its AI-based buying systems – it’s the largest indie media buyer in Europe – while the Munich-headquartered group will in turn be able to access its New York counterpart’s suite of SAAS platforms, such as Koalifyed, CUE, PRophet and Harris Brand Platform. The recently-established Stagwell Media Network includes Assembly, MMI Agency, Media Kitchen, Grason, Gale, Multiview and Locaria.

Speaking to The Drum, Deirdre McGlashan, chief media officer, Stagwell, said that the alliance will help multiply the strengths of each partner. “With Serviceplan’s strong capabilities in local markets and the cross-border approach we both take, our globally combined 15,000 team members have exactly the right mix of digital and traditional media capabilities to drive greater results for our clients.”

“Today, companies operate transcontinental, so we also have to set up the strategy, planning and buying of media across all borders. With Stagwell, we have found our counterpart as an independent yet internationally active agency network on the other side of the Atlantic,“ added Matthias Brüll, chief executive officer at Mediaplus International.

How did the partnership come together?

According to Brüll, the alliance has been in the works for the last six months, aided by the shared history of several Serviceplan and Stagwell executives, who all worked together at WPP’s Mediacom earlier in their careers.

”As independent players, we share some similarities. We talked about how we approach the market. What is the strength in being independent? What does the market really need? What questions do clients have today? And what were the barriers when we were on the other side?” said Brüll.

According to McGlashan, the move is about both companies gaining scale ”in the modern way.”

”Quite frankly, as integrated and complex as media has gotten, it really is about having the right skill set, leveraging the right knowledge across the markets. That’s why this coming together of these two independents – with each of our capabilities and additional ancillary capabilities – is more that we bring each other.”

Can it make Stagwell and Serviceplan more competitive?

McGlashan argues the alliance gives each group an edge over the dominant holding companies. ”With their strong capabilities, our strong capabilities in the market, and the fact that both of us take a cross-border approach … we are going after business that would normally have gone to the traditional holding companies. We are in quite a few pitches with them,” she said.

”If you rewind … five years ago, we were small independents that were growing. [Now] we are outpacing them in terms of growth.”

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Breakthrough digital experiences and omnichannel campaigns from 72andSunny, Anomaly, Assembly and Doner lead 2021 roster recognized as most effective in marketing

NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — (NASDAQ: STGW) Stagwell announced today that several of its network agencies received recognition at the 2021 Effie U.S. Summit and Awards for exceptional work in producing some of the year’s most effective marketing efforts on behalf of top brands such as Match Group, Diageo, and Peacock.

In total, Stagwell agencies earned 5 Gold, 3 Silver, and 4 Bronze awards for campaigns that represent the best-in-class in digital brand experiences, media innovations, sustained product success, multicultural products, and brand integration and entertainment partnerships, among other categories. Winning agencies include 72andSunny, Anomaly, Assembly and Doner with client partners Tinder/Match Group, Crown Royal/Diageo, Allegheny Health Network, and more.

“A simple equation powers results at Stagwell: creative + connected = effective,” said Mark Penn, Chairman and CEO, Stagwell. “It’s an honor to see the unmistakable impact Stagwell’s agencies have had on their clients’ businesses celebrated by the Effies, the industry’s banner-holder for marketing effectiveness.”

Award highlights include: 

• Three GOLD Effies for 72andSunny, including two for Tinder’s breakthrough marketing effort, “Swipe Night,” a feat of digital content and entertainment that has transformed the way modern consumers date. A highly decorated campaign, “Swipe Night” was the recipient of a Cannes Lions Entertainment Grand Prix, and has won accolades across other top industry award shows including the Clio Awards, D&AD, the One Show, Webby Awards, Adweek competitions and more. The work was also Emmy nominated. 72andSunny also received a BRONZE Effie.
• Two GOLD Effies for Anomaly and client partners Crown Royal and Ski-Doo for campaigns that demonstrate the agency’s unyielding focus on solving business challenges with any, and every, form of creativity. Together with two SILVER and BRONZE Effies, the agency was awarded across a breadth of categories, from brand creation and business transformation to multicultural products and digital and media innovation.
• A SILVER Effie for Doner’s “The Vitals: Real-Life Heroes of 2020” created in partnership with Allegheny Health Network and Marvel. The agency honored the courage of the nurses on the frontlines of modern healthcare through stories brought to life in a Marvel comic book, social, digital content, and experiential elements.
• A BRONZE Effie for Sustained Success for Doner, Assembly, and The Underground’s campaign for Allegheny Health Network, #LivingProof. Flexing the combined creative, media and production heft of the three units, Doner transformed into a newsroom, seamlessly sharing compelling, real outcomes that were captured one day and cast live the next across TV, radio, social, digital and out-of-home. In six years, this campaign has garnered seven Effie Awards in all.

The Effies annually honors the most effective marketing campaigns in the world, spotlighting ideas that work and drive value for modern brands. To date, Stagwell agencies have collectively earned over 130 Effie Awards.

About Stagwell Inc.

Stagwell is the challenger holding company built to transform marketing. We deliver scaled creative performance for the world’s most ambitious brands, connecting culture-moving creativity with leading-edge technology to harmonize the art and science of marketing.  Led by entrepreneurs, our 10,000+ specialists in 24+ countries are unified under a single purpose: to drive effectiveness and improve business results for their clients.

For more information, visit www.stagwellglobal.com

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Beth Sidhu

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NEW YORK, Sept. 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Stagwell (NASDAQ: STGW) today announced that Stagwell Technology’s influencer management platform Koalifyed has launched a mobile app, available for download on the Apple App Store. The app is the latest from Koalifyed, an end-to-end campaign management solution that empowers social-first brands and agencies to reach real audiences faster and optimize campaign dollars to improve results. 

“We’re excited for this next evolution in Koalifyed’s technology and the added agility it will bring our brand and agency partners as they collaborate with talent in today’s influence-driven marketplace,” said Koalifyed Partner and Stagwell Technology’s Chief Technology Officer Charles Hu. “From macro influencers to nano influencers, we know that in today’s consumer-centric landscape, the endorsement of key creators can drive preference, positive word of mouth, and ultimately conversion.”

“Koalifyed’s app arrives at a crucial time for social-first brands seeking to tap into the multiplier-effect of modern culture,” added Stagwell Chief Brand Officer Beth Sidhu. “At Stagwell, we’re bullish on the value influencer marketing can add to an omnichannel strategy in today’s marketplace and are proud to see Koalifyed continue to evolve as an essential tool for digital clients.”

The technology — leveraged by clients such as P&G, Gilette, Old Spice, and Pantene — builds speed, efficiency, and trust into the most crucial parts of influencer campaign management, helping connect brands to their most engaged audiences, drive meaningful partnerships with dynamic, high-quality creators, and deliver maximum performance.

Koalifyed’s app enhances the platform’s features including best-in-class proprietary fraud detection which has been shown to identify up to 10 times more bots than other products; and blockchain technology for smart contracts to help keep brands compliant with increased FTC guidelines for influencer marketing.

“Brands need to reach people authentically —  and authentic audiences are precisely what Koalifyed specializes in,” added Christina Scala, SVP of Sales & Marketing, Koalifyed. “Our growing directory of diverse influencers can be a key tool for brands seeking to elevate a more representative cast of creators in their marketing.”

Koalifyed is part of Stagwell’s broader roster of digital SaaS products that solve for key gaps in the modern marketing services ecosystem. Powered by Stagwell’s impressive network of best-in-class engineering talent, numbering 2000+ globally, the Company’s product suite offers clients the best in connected technologies to drive marketing effectiveness. Koalifyed was developed by Stagwell Technologies in collaboration with leading consumer marketing agency MMI Agency.

In addition to Koalifyed, Stagwell’s solutions include products that predict the performance of communications using A.I. (PRophet), connect global talent for content delivery (LOCATE), measure and optimize brand reputation (Harris Brand Platform), and more.

About Stagwell Inc.

Stagwell is the challenger holding company built to transform marketing. We deliver scaled creative performance for the world’s most ambitious brands, connecting culture-moving creativity with leading-edge technology to harmonize the art and science of marketing.  Led by entrepreneurs, our 10,000+ specialists in 24+ countries are unified under a single purpose: to drive effectiveness and improve business results for their clients.

For more information, visit www.stagwellglobal.com.

About Koalifyed

Koalifyed is now available to all brands and offers solutions for influencer marketing budgets of all sizes. Creators can also sign up to join the Koalifyed creator database to get discovered by brands via Koalifyed’s website. To learn more, sign up to be a part of Koalifyed’s creator database or request a demo, visit https://www.koalifyed.com/.

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Mark Penn, the co-founder and chief executive officer of Stagwell Group, has been discretely building his alternative agency network for six years. ”I think it’s fair to say we snuck up on the marketplace. It’s been part of the strategy,” he says.

Last week, however, Penn broke cover and ended Stagwell’s time in ’stealth mode’ with a move intended, at least in part, to set off alarm bells at his agency rivals. Specifically, Penn showed up at Nasdaq on Times Square, ringing the stock exchange’s closing bell.

”It’s a bit of fun,” says Penn, speaking to The Drum on the morning of the bell-ringing ceremony. It comes shortly after the completion of Stagwell’s merger with MDC Partners, a deal that has been in the making since 2019. ”Everything’s come together now, so we’re capping it off with the bell-ringing. But of course, the work has just begun.”

With the merger finished – a process that has brought Stagwell’s headcount to almost 10,000 and dozens of respected agencies within its umbrella – the network is looking to compete with the holding companies on a level playing field.

Extra horsepower

The addition of creative shops such as 72andSunny and CPB adds ”a little creative horsepower” to Stagwell, alongside its research, media and strategy arms, he says.

”Our goal is to increasingly compete with them on their terms. Part of our strategy, of putting together creative and digital talent, is to be able to turn around and say [that] if you’ve been using those four majors, but you’ve been dissatisfied, they’re not digital and their creative isn’t immersive enough, that we can be a real alternative.”

”We aim to dislodge some of that $60bn that’s sitting over there in the majors, because they’re the people that most clients love to hate,” he continues. ”The marketplace is ripe for this kind of opportunity.”

The first half of 2021 saw a deluge of client activity and ad spend, and though Penn agrees with Publicis’s Arthur Sadoun on its ”exceptional” nature, he’s optimistic about market conditions.

”There are two aspects. One is more temporary – the renewal of marketing efforts that were halted during the pandemic. The other is more permanent, which is the shift toward increased digital transformation, increased online shopping and, as a consequence, increased online advertising. I estimate this is a three-to-five-year acceleration of those trends.

”We had Zoom and Peloton before, but we didn’t use them. A lot of these tools, such as InstaCart, were developed before the pandemic, and then they kind of had their day.”

In this context, Penn is betting on Stagwell’s triple-headed offer to clients – digital media, creative and strategy – to tear strips off account incumbents. ”The combined company really has the capability not to do one or two of those things, but to do all three well, and that’s what clients are looking for.”

The company formed the Stagwell Media Network in August, a parcel of media agencies (including Media Kitchen, Assembly and Multiview) that account for a quarter of its staff and close to $5bn in media spend.

”Some people think it’s all about old-style creative and some people think it’s all about having a black box. I believe it is really about having the right combination.”

He also points to Stagwell’s stable of research and insights firms, and its political consultancy units – Penn was a pollster and political strategist on scores of presidential campaigns, including the Clinton election bids – as magnets for further growth. Political fundraising is ”the fastest growth market of them all,” and one that he claims the company enjoys a 40% stake in.

Expansion opportunities

Next on the to-do list is overseas growth, particularly in Latin America, Russia, the Middle East and India. Penn has ambitions to grow through international acquisitions, particularly in the former territory. ”We’re very strong in Europe, Canada, the United States and reasonably strong out of Asia. I think we’ve got room to definitely grow.”

Recruitment is Stagwell’s other focus. Penn says the network can offer would-be recruits something its holding company rivals can’t: space and forward motion. ”Stagwell agencies have a tremendous kind of entrepreneurial control. We’re not a big bureaucracy … I’ve worked to really foster an atmosphere of collaboration.”

It appears to be working; over the last six months, Stagwell has hired 1,000 new staffers across its agencies. ”We’re on the way up. That’s where people want to go, somewhere that’s growing and growing.”

Despite his own experience of the US tech sector (Penn was chief strategy officer at Microsoft until 2015), which has been lately credited with drawing agency talent away from advertising, he says the sector should still be considered a decent place to make a career.

”Frankly, the industry has a lot of great jobs in it. You get to express your creativity, you get highly paid, with a college degree (without having to get a second or third degree). I think it’s actually an industry of opportunity … I think we will continue to draw very strong talent around the world.”