Stagwell Group Buys Marketing Agency Forward3D

Harris parent company The Stagwell Group has acquired London-based marketing agency Forward3D Group, for an undisclosed sum. Forward3D runs campaigns across digital media formats using technology based on linguistics and data science.

The firm has more than 300 employees based in eleven offices across Europe, Asia and the US. Its data science offerings use quant methods such as economic testing, machine learning, natural language processing, forecasting and investment modelling, for measurement, testing and prediction. It also has a web analytics team which acts as an internal consultancy group to solve tracking and data collection issues for clients.

Stagwell Group is led by Penn Schoen Berland co-founder Mark Penn. Forward3D is its sixteenth investment in a portfolio which includes Harris Insights & Analytics, and Nielsen's former entertainment research subsidiary NRG. Following the latest deal, Forward3D Group's leadership team - CEO Martin McNulty (pictured), MD EMEA & APAC Gary Reid, Chief International Officer Hannes Ben, and CFO James Parr - will continue to manage agency operations.

McNulty says of the news: 'We are delighted to be part of The Stagwell Group. We fully believe in the vision Mark Penn has set out for the future of agency networks, and feel this aligns with our own vision and strengths as an agency. Forward3D Group has grown considerably over the last few years and believe this move will accelerate that growth in the years to come, building on our advanced digital marketing and international capabilities'.

Web sites: www.stagwellgroup.com and www.forward3d.com .