Tony Paykel to continue running media agency after sale to Active Int

Active International, Australia’s largest independent barter and financial solution business, has acquired Paykel – an independent media agency operating in Sydney and Melbourne – founded by Tony Paykel in 1999.

The acquisition by Active International will see the agency join a global network of more than 500 staff operating across 14 countries.

Headquartered in the US, Active International was the first company to deliver corporate trading services (barter) in Australia, setting up its local operations in 1994.

Active International Australia group managing director Cameron Swan said, “The acquisition of Paykel is an exciting next step towards building out our capabilities, product and services even further. Paykel has an excellent track record for delivering positive client outcomes, a strong client focus and quality of service making them a very desirable media agency to have as part of our business. Together we will build an even greater client-first culture to our strategic thinking and accelerate our growth.

“Whilst initially it will be business as usual for both organisations – which will continue operating as separate entities – we look forward to working with the Paykel team to continue our growth and development as a broad communications business in the years to come.”

Paykel founder and managing director Tony Paykel said: “We’ll continue to deliver the same quality service that has seen us enjoy 20 years of success, but now with the added support of an independent network with global knowledge and resources. We have always sought opportunities to accelerate our innovation, and with the backing of Active International, we’re in an even stronger position to continue delivering on this vision.”

Paykel will continue to lead his team as managing director, with Cameron Swan taking on the group leadership role of group managing director.

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Top photo: Tony Paykel [L] with Cameron Swan