KPMG Buys to Boost CX Offer in Australia

In Australia, KPMG has further strengthened its Customer, Brand & Marketing Advisory arm with the acquisition of local agency UDKU. The new division was launched a year ago when the global consultancy bought Acuity Research and Insights.

As reported on www.mumbrella.com.au , the founders and partners of UDKU (U Don't Know Us) - Mark Timmins, Colin Jowell and Kon Marinis - will join the CBMA arm along with UDKU's ten staff. The division was formed with the Acuity buy last June, and quickly strengthened with the arrival of high flyers from Google and Virgin Australia.

Timmins, a former group head at M&C Saatchi, said of the deal: 'The opportunity for us to be part of KPMG is just brilliant, allowing us to scale up the customer experience innovation offer at this critical time'. Paul Howes (pictured), the KPMG partner heading up CBMA, described UDKU as 'a bit of a birthday present for our venture', which he says is enjoying 'strong double digit growth'.

Web site: www.kpmg.com.au .