Two western creative shops are joining forces.

Manitoba-based Brandish is merging with Alberta-based Red The Agency, with the latter coming under the Brandish umbrella. A news release announcing the merger states the move marks a significant milestone for Brandish, amplifying its presence and capabilities in western Canada.

Brandish, whose client roster includes Birchwood Auto Group, Robertson College, and First People’s Development Inc, was founded in 2016 by partners Lee Waltham and Derek Elliott, providing strategic marketing services to clients in Manitoba and Ontario. It re-positioned as a creative agency in 2023. Alexandra Martin was added to the partnership last January, and the team is now supported by a complement of more than 20 people.

“We began speaking informally in 2019, reconnected in 2022 after navigating the pandemic independently and began actively working together in 2023,” explains Derek Elliott, managing director and partner at Brandish. “We deeply respect Red’s legacy and the relationships [they] have built with their clients over the past two decades.”

Elliott tells strategy that it explored other relationships, but as time went on, the Red fit was natural and the two shops began working on clients collaboratively.

“Once it became clear that our relationship was having a positive impact on clients, the decision to merge was easy,” Elliott says.

Red The Agency is an independent marketing, advertising and creative design firm based in Edmonton. It has worked with clients like OK Tire and the Edmonton Oilers, and was established in 2001. The shop is led by managing partner Lori Billey, who founded the agency approximately 23 years ago, and senior strategist Randy Cronin, a 20-year veteran.

“This merger is an exciting opportunity for us,” Billey says, saying that clients are always seeking best-in-class solutions, and that it’s making that happen as a unified team. “As a ‘challenger brand’
ourselves, we are now better equipped to support national and local brands alike.”

The combined team will collaborate on future projects, leveraging their respective strengths for mutual success.