Advertising agencies Barkley and OKRP are joining forces, set to rebrand as BarkleyOKRP.
Kicking up the Competition: The Union of Titans
The independent advertising world is buzzing with scores of small players and a handful of heavyweights. The latest shake-up in this scene comes from the merger of two of these heavyweights, Barkley and OKRP, forming the colossal BarkleyOKRP. This newbecomes one of the biggest independently-owned agencies in the United States.
With over 650 employees spread across five offices in Chicago, Kansas City, Denver, New York, and Pittsburgh, BarkleyOKRP is now a force to be reckoned with. This union of forces makes BarkleyOKRP one of the largest independent agencies in the country.
In an interview, Tom O'Keefe of OKRP revealed that discussions about growth opportunities have been underway for the past year and a half. After meeting Jeff King, CEO of Barkley, and his team, OKRP found the two agencies to be like pieces of a puzzle perfectly fit together.
The synergy between the two entities, as O'Keefe put it, lies in their shared focus on whole brand development and independent creativity at scale.
The combined offerings of BarkleyOKRP are a testament to this synergy. They specialize in integrated campaigns, leveraging the "Big Indie" approach to deliver solutions tailored to each client's unique needs. Their media expertise extends to launching MissionOne, a media agency offering, aligning with the current trend of independent agencies expanding their media capabilities. Furthermore, their commitment to sustainable and ethical business practices, as evidenced by their B Corp certification, appeals to clients aiming to practice corporate responsibility.
The merger also opens up growth opportunities for BarkleyOKRP. Geographic expansion is a possibility, with the agency currently operating in Kansas City, Chicago, Denver, Austin, and New York, and potential to extend their regional footprint further. MissionOne positions them to compete directly with larger holding companies in media services, marking another opportunity for growth. Lastly, their integrated services, encompassing creative, media, PR, and experiential marketing under one roof, mirrors industry trends towards full-service independent agencies.
This strategic union not only ensures diversification but also maintain the agility required to attract mid-market and enterprise clients seeking independent alternatives. The new kid on the block is here to stay, and it's going to make some noise.
- The merger of Barkley and OKRP, forming BarkleyOKRP, has positioned them as one of the biggest independently-owned agencies in the United States, with a force to be reckoned with in the advertising industry.
- Speaking on the merger, Tom O'Keefe from OKRP mentioned growth opportunities had been discussed for the past year and a half, with the shared focus on whole brand development and independent creativity at scale being the key strengths that made the two agencies a perfect fit.
- The synergy between BarkleyOKRP is evident in their services, which include integrated campaigns, media expertise, and a commitment to sustainable and ethical business practices, signifying a clear advantage in attracting clients seeking corporate responsibility.
- The union allows BarkleyOKRP to expand geographically, compete with larger holding companies in media services, and align with trends towards full-service independent agencies in the finance sector, ensuring they remain competitive and agile.
