Clarity enters Asia Pacific market with purchase of Sefiani
Australian communications and public relations firm Sefiani has been acquired by Clarity, an internationally operating counterpart with offices in London, Amsterdam, Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco.
The acquisition is Clarity’s third in 18 months, having previously acquired Political Intelligence, 3WhiteHats and 93digital. All three deals were in home market the United Kingdom however, with the purchase of Sefiani marking the firm’s entry into the Asia Pacific market.
Founded 23 years ago by former Edelman executive Robyn Sefiani, Sydney-based Sefiani focuses on brand and corporate reputation. The firm’s 21-strong team works for clients including aerospace company Airbus, law firm Allen & Overy, and professional services giant EY.
“We are thrilled to bring Sefiani into Clarity’s global family. Their high-calibre people deliver outstanding work for a world-class roster of clients and they have developed a market-leading capability in reputation, crisis and issues management, and sustainability. It was clear too, that Sefiani would be the perfect launchpad for further expansion across the Asia Pacific region,” said Sami McCabe, CEO of Clarity.
As part of the integration, Sefiani has become part of Clarity’s Global Presidents’ Board. In her role as President ANZ she will lead the team in the region, while spearheading the firm’s growth strategy in Asia Pacific.
McCabe said that Clarity plans to reach revenues of over $250 million within five years, up from the current $40 million mark. Asia Pacific is an integral part of the growth strategy, with inorganic bolt-ons on the table to accelerate progress.
Commenting on the joining of forces, Sefiani said, “We were attracted to Clarity’s highly energised and aspirational leadership team, their ambitions for growth in Asia-Pacific and globally, and the agency’s leading-edge digital and data analytics capability which we can access for our clients.”
The deal is the latest in a series of acquisitions of local independent communication agencies by global groups. VCCP Business bought Sling & Stone in late 2021, while European challenger firm DEPT acquired Melbourne-based Two Bulls last year.
