Corbis Entertainment Extends its Global Reach with Acquisition of U.K.-Based Sports Marketing Agency WSM Communications

Corbis Entertainment Extends its Global Reach with Acquisition of U.K.-Based Sports Marketing Agency WSM Communications

Adding Marquee Sports Stars and Global Events in Golf, Soccer and Tennis to Corbis Entertainment's Global Clients, Including via its Just-Launched Branded Entertainment Network (BEN)

NEW YORK, May 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Corbis Entertainment, a division of Corbis, a Bill Gates company, today announced the acquisition of WSM Communications, a global sports marketing and communications agency headquartered in London. The announcement was made here today by Gary Shenk, Chief Executive Officer, Corbis.

http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnvar/20140516/88569

Over its 15-year history, WSM has helped companies like Unilever, British Airways and Aberdeen Asset Management enhance their brands with integrated strategies in the world of sports - with a focus on golf, soccer, sailing and tennis. To complement its London home base, WSM has international offices in the U.S., and is working on existing projects in both regions, along with Singapore, Tokyo, Australia, South Africa, Brunei and Thailand.

"Sports are a natural extension of the comprehensive entertainment marketing solutions Corbis has pioneered for leading brands across the world, from product integration to celebrities to rights and music clearances," said Shenk.

"Bringing WSM, its clients and buzz-worthy sports events and stars into our family is an exciting development," begins Mark Owens, Executive Vice President, Corbis Entertainment. "Sports are another high-profile form of entertainment populated with its own celebrities and A-list events. WSM's long track record, and unique depth in fast-growing worldwide sports like golf, tennis and soccer makes them a natural fit, with assets that we can leverage across all Corbis Entertainment global clients."

WSM's offerings are ready-made for Corbis Entertainment's new platform, the just-launched Branded Entertainment Network (BEN). This new service delivers scale and efficiency and is the first of its kind to bring measurement science via third-party relationships with Motion Picture Group (MPG) and Nielsen to the world of brand integration. BEN solidifies Corbis Entertainment's leadership position in the fast-growing, $8 billion-a-year global entertainment marketing and product placement marketplace. WSM's offerings will expand this world of first-look placement and sponsorship to sports, on a global scale.

"We're extremely delighted to be a part of Corbis Entertainment," adds Andrew White, Chief Executive Officer, WSM Communications. "We look forward to broadening our niche in sports marketing to the world of entertainment on a global scale. Through this partnership our access and reach will provide endless opportunities for all of our brands."

About Corbis Entertainment: Corbis Entertainment connects global brands to consumers through the power of entertainment. Our core competencies include talent negotiations, music licensing rights clearances and representation, and the recently launched Branded Entertainment Network.

About Corbis: Founded in 1989 by Bill Gates, Corbis® is a leading digital content and worldwide entertainment rights company. We empower agencies, brands, publishers, and other media producers to capture the attention of audiences worldwide by integrating premium and timely content into their communications. From exceptional creative, documentary, and breaking entertainment content, to product and media integration services, Corbis helps elevate projects, amplify brands, and captivate any audience.

About WSM Communications: WSM Communications is one of the world's most successful independent sports and sponsorship marketing agency. WSM creates compelling brand strategies that change perceptions through sponsorship, PR, events and experiential marketing. Headquartered in the UK with offices in the US, Brazil and Qatar, WSM operates globally delivering consultancy and marketing solutions for brands in sport and sponsorship worldwide.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140516/88569

SOURCE Corbis Entertainment

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140516/88569
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Corbis Entertainment

CONTACT: Sal Cataldi, sal@cataldipr.com, 212.244.9797


-------
Profile: intent