Rebuild, a marketing agency based in Detroit, has been acquired by Hart, a full-service independent brand transformation agency with offices in Ohio and Washington, D.C. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
The acquisition is designed to address the growing gap between boutique agencies and those larger agencies owned by holding companies.
“Hart today is in a strong position to be that independent and transformational offering for middle-market brands,” says Marc Paulenich, president of Hart. “Whether it’s the strong base that Rebuild has developed, the talent pool in the area, or the ability to address an underserved community of brands looking to get to a better place, Hart sees the tremendous opportunity in Detroit.”
Rebuild was founded in 2012 to “fill a void in the creative strategy essential for connective brand campaigns.”
“When Josh (Gershonowicz) and I created Rebuild, we had a vision of building an agency the right way in the right location, delivering experiences to elevate brands,” says Steve DeAngelis, co-founder of Rebuild. “Being a part of the Hart family does not change that vision. In fact, it’s enhanced. When others are deciding that Detroit isn’t for them, Hart is doubling down on this city. This is an agency for this moment.”
As part of the deal, Rebuild’s Detroit offices will become the fourth physical location of Hart, increasing its team to nearly 100 employees. Located in the Milwaukee Junction neighborhood of Detroit, its location is positioned within the city limits and reaffirms Hart’s ongoing commitment to investing in its communities.
Rebuild’s digital expertise was said to be a “significant factor” in Hart’s interest in Rebuild as a partner. Further bolstering Hart’s experience in the digital space and deepening Hart’s ability to deliver omnichannel experiences is essential for the agency to deliver on its promise to move consumers from apathy to advocacy, according to the agency.
“Finding an ideal, like-minded partner that fits seamlessly into our growth plans is a rarity in the current landscape,” says Mike Hart, CEO of Hart. “As a fellow independent agency, Josh and Steve understand that we are collectively best positioned to elevate brands while developing tremendous talent simultaneously.”
Gershonowicz, CEO and co-founder of Rebuild, says, “Hart is a natural partner, and one that can address many of the challenges facing both brands and our collective agency. This is a win for Detroit, for our partners and for our communities. I could not be more excited for what is to come for this city.”
Key industries of experience within the Rebuild portfolio include health care, travel and tourism, food and beverage, and economic development.
For more information on Hart visit: hartinc.com.
