DDB Worldwide Acquires Adam & Eve

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Omnicom-owned agency network DDB Worldwide has acquired independent London firm Adam & Eve for a reported £50m. Adam & Eve, best known for its weepy John Lewis ads, will be merged with DDB's London office with its management team securing most senior posts.

The deal comes just four years after the launch of Adam & Eve and will see the company’s founders emerge as millionaires. James Murphy will be CEO of the new company, which will be called adam&eve/DDB.

DDB London has had a tough time recently, losing the Virgin Media account just 18 months after winning it. By contrast Adam & Eve has been on a good run. That said, the merger will lead to some conflicts of interests, with DDB handling the Financial Times and Adam & Eve the Telegraph. There are also potential clashes between John Lewis & Harvey Nichols and Benecol & Flora.