Andrew McWiggan, Theresa Forman, Alanna Nathanson, and Natalie Armata 

Ottawa full service ad firm Acart Communications has acquired Toronto’s G&G Advertising, a shop perhaps best known for its work on Harvey’s, Clover Leaf, Fisherman’s Friend and Dr. Oetker.

According to the release, the acquisition by Acart, an agency that has worked with the likes of the Ottawa Senators and The College of Family Physicians of Canada, marks a significant milestone for both organizations. It also “signals a new era of expansion and collaboration within the advertising industry.”

Following the acquisition, G&G Advertising will retain its name and branding and operate as a specialist brand within Acart Communications.

G&G co-CCO Alanna Nathanson, who shares duties with Natalie Armata, says it’s been a tough time in the industry and her shop has felt the effects. The shop weighed different partners, she added.

The Acart team-up happened very quickly, she says, as identifying the chemistry, fit and complementary capabilities was instant.

A partnership with Acart, Nathanson says, was an opportunity to broaden G&G’s capabilities, particularly as it pertains to what she calls Acart’s “best-in-class media trade desk, a fulsome motion graphics team [and a] robust strategy practice.”

“Joining forces with G&G Advertising aligns perfectly with our growth strategy,” says Andrew McWiggan, partner, and CRO of Acart Communications. “[G&G’s] renowned creative expertise and established presence in Toronto complement our existing strengths, allowing us to continue to deliver creative excellence to our clients, and expand our footprint in key markets.”

The move also expands Acart’s sector reach. “With G&G Advertising joining Acart, we will further amplify our strategic creativity and widen our market segmentation, enabling us to continue to deliver tangible results to a broader range of clients,” notes Theresa Forman, partner, and chief strategy officer of Acart Communications.

Leadership now includes McWiggan, Forman and studio director, Lynn Norris.

As Acart Communications and G&G Advertising integrate their operations, the industry can expect business as usual, “albeit with a renewed focus on delivering exceptional results and driving growth.”