CUMMINS SELLS TO NITRO
Cummins & Partners has finally been sold to Nitro, Chris Clarke’s mini agency group with offices in Shanghai, New York, London and Melbourne. Under the deal, Nitro takes a 50% stake in Cummins, which will be increased to full ownership by 2009. Nitro’s Melbourne operation will be merged into Cummins’ Melbourne premises.
It will be interesting to see if there are any further developments relating to the departures of Sydney co-creative directors Bettina Clark and Carolyn Diamond, and the bitter ousting of former Cummins Melbourne general manager, Amber Philips. A close associate of Philips says she is taking legal action against Cummins for unfair dismissal.
14 Comments
Hmmm.I sense a reason for the sudden panicky Cummins post.Don’t want any ‘trouble in paradise’ stories eh?
It’s just the tip of the iceberg. Watch the exodus of clients and staff (remember the mighty DMB&B/WMO’s demise after it was taken over by Pure Creative in the 90s.)
Hmmm. I sense a reason for the sudden panicky Cummins post on the Bettina/Carolyn article below. Don’t want any ‘trouble in paradise’ stories eh?
Plot outline for a supremely ironic telemovie:Chris Clark assures Sean Cummins he’s got a job for the long haul, then gives him the arse after a few months.
How much?
Can’t imagine Virgin Blue wanting to work with Nitro (what have they ever done that’s set the world on fire?), not their style one would think. I bet when Sean goes, Virgin will too.
So who’s the largest independent agency in Australia now (and how long until they get bought out?)
Nitro is. It’s Australian and independent and the only one with some sort of overseas network. Although Droga 5 looks like going that way soon, and what with BWM – already with an office in Dubai – and BMF wanting to expand overseas, maybe this is the start of an Aussie export drive, not seen since Mojo in the late 80s and early 90s.
This is like watching a car crash in slow motion… Chris Clarke and Sean Cummins in the same room? Hmmmm.
Sean generates a lot of opinions in this industry.If a comment isn’t defamatory, why not post it?Signed,Censored!
Wow – this is better than a death cage match. I put a twenty on Sean’s nose.Go baby go!
The reality is that both guys has done a fantastic job in buiolding a business and making some money.Sure NITRO hasn’t set the world on fire creatively and Cummins has done a solid job.Well done, you deserve your sucess…
Both men should be congratulated, they took a chance…built a successful agency and now are living the dream!Well done guys!
Go get em Nitro. I got a good feeling on this one.