Independent agenies Thompson Spencer and Reason have announced a merger to form one of the largest independent agency groups in the country.
Both agencies have operated for 15 years. The newly merged business will be known as Thompson Spencer Group, with both the Reason and Thompson Spencer businesses operating in market under the leadership of Melanie Spencer and Tim Pointer as co-CEOs.
Thompson Spencer
Thompson Spencer is a full funnel creative and media agency, founded by Wendy Thompson and Melanie Spencer. The agency’s line-up of clients includes Bupa, Wattyl (Aus/NZ), Asahi, Honda, London City Airport, Mitre 10, Musashi, Seagrass Hospitality (Global) and Auckland Transport.
It completed four acquisitions in the last four years including The Social Club (influencer marketing agency); Flying Tiger (Chinese Social Media Marketing Agency), Magnesium (Accredited Media and Content Production Agency) and People of Influence (Talent Agency). The agency has exceeded expectations by 10 times revenue and 6 times net profit in the last five years with more growth around the corner.
Reason
Reason, co-founded by Tim Pointer and Matt Rowe, has established itself as a leading performance agency renowned for propelling brands to exceptional results. Reason’s acquisition of Absolute Analytics in 2021 significantly enhanced the agency’s data and insight capabilities, further strengthening their ability to deliver performance-led strategies.
Reason’s roster of clients includes Chubb Life Insurance, Briscoe’s & Rebel Sport, Woolworths, Tourism Holdings (THL), Caci Clinic, Hirepool, CANZ, DoorDash NZ and Australia and Timely, demonstrating their broad expertise and proven track record across diverse sectors.
Top of the game
The merger expands Thompson Spencer Groups’ capabilities, combining digitally-led and ATL creative and media expertise with performance marketing to offer a fully integrated approach focused on delivering measurable results and a full funnel service for brands looking to the future.
“Most mergers happen when agencies need to consolidate to survive – this is the exact opposite with both businesses coming off the back of record-breaking years of growth despite the challenging economic environment,” says Melanie Spencer, co-founder and co-CEO of Thompson Spencer.
“Both Thompson Spencer and Reason are at the top of their game. We’re growing, winning new business and making waves in our industry. The timing was right – this is about supercharging that momentum by bringing together two high-performing teams that share a bold vision for the future.”
“This is a coming together of strengths,” says Wendy Thompson, co-founder of Thompson Spencer. “Clients no longer want their creative and media strategies sitting in silos. By merging with Reason, we’re creating an integrated powerhouse that blends world-class creativity with deep performance marketing expertise. We’re setting a new standard for what a modern, independent agency can deliver.”
One of the largest indie groups
The merger creates one of the largest independent agency groups in New Zealand, with a combined team of 56 industry-leading experts. The group’s Auckland offices have merged while Reason’s Wellington office remains, ensuring a continued presence in the capital.
Matt Rowe, co-founder of Reason, highlights the entrepreneurial energy behind the merger: “This is not just about scale – it’s about innovation. We’re four founders who have built our agencies from the ground up and we know what it takes to succeed. Together, we’re going to push the boundaries of what’s possible for our clients.”
Tim Pointer, co-founder & CEO of Reason, says: “The marketing landscape is evolving rapidly – AI, automation and data-led decision-making are transforming the way brands connect with consumers. By combining both agency’s expertise in performance, strategy and creative, we’re equipping our clients with the best tools to navigate this changing world.”
With a shared commitment to innovation, creativity and performance, the new agency will offer an end-to-end service that gives clients the best of both worlds. But more than that, it’s a fusion of entrepreneurial drive, industry leadership and a relentless ambition to shake things up.
“This is just the beginning,” says Spencer. “We’re not merging to maintain the status quo – we’re here to challenge it.”
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