WINNIPEG, MB—Three Winnipeg agencies have merged to form "a new player with local service and global capabilities entering the Canadian communications sector."

Clark+Huot [brand consulting agency], Cocoon Branding [ad agency], and Velocity Branding/Spacecadet Design [digital activation agency] have joined forces, "leveraging Clark+Huot’s New York City presence as a means of providing global access to their clients," reads a release. "The newly formed agency — ClarkHuot/Cocoon — is a next-generation agency designed to meet the needs and desires of clients in an increasingly fast-changing marketing environment."



Peter Clark is the newly appointed chief executive officer of ClarkHuot/Cocoon. “We understand the potential in all of our clients, and creating innovative ways to exceed their aspirations is the cornerstone of what we do,” he noted. “After carefully weighing the benefits of a merger, we believe the resulting agency will be better positioned than ever to develop cross-platform marketing programs that connect with consumers.”
 
Effective immediately, Edmond Huot has been named executive creative director of the ClarkHuot/Cocoon. Kyle Romaniuk, former brand director and principal at Cocoon Branding, has been named managing director, Canada. Chris Clarke has been appointed partner, digital practice.
 
An "integration process" is underway involving all three firms, "combining key areas including professional competencies and capabilities," noted the release. Integration is expected to be completed in about 60 to 90 days.