Alban Launches UK’s Second Largest Outdoor Buying Point
Alban Communications has come together with International Poster Management to launch a new outdoor buying point called Helix.
The move follows the sale of Alban’s stake in Outdoor Connection to Poster Publicity, which following the acquisition of OMD’s share, now controls two thirds of the outdoor planning and buying company.
The joint venture company will handle the outdoor buying and administration for both IPM and Alban-owned Concord from 1 July. However, both companies will continue to operate independently with autonomous responsibility for planning and campaign management for their respective clients.
With combined billings in excess of £140 million, Helix will become the second largest out of home buying point in the UK, behind Aegis-owned Posterscope.
The company, which will operate in separated premises from either Concord or IPM, will be jointly headed by Colin Bundock and Grant Branfoot, who will lead a team of buyers bringing together expertise from IPM and Blade.
Commenting on the launch Alan Simmons, chief executive of Alban Group, said: “Although scale is significant, this new venture also brings together greater resources for the benefit of IPM and Concord clients.”
Chris Morely, chief executive of IPM, added: “This represents an imaginative but entirely logical response to long-term trends in our market place and one which will greatly enhance the competitive offerings of both companies.”
The latest figures from the Outdoor Advertising Association show that UK outdoor advertising revenues look set to significantly outperform the media sector in the first quarter of the year, with a 16.9% rise to £169.7 million (see UK Outdoor Revenues Jump 17% In First Quarter).
Alban Communications: 020 7543 4400 International Poster Management: 020 7388 1166
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