Karla Otto’s The Independents, a major player in the fashion and luxury industry, has recently made another significant acquisition to solidify its position. The group, formed in 2017 through the merger of PR agency Karla Otto and event organizer K2, has acquired US creative agency Prodject. This move follows the group’s acquisition of Bureau Betak last year.
Prodject specializes in producing major events in the fashion, art, and culture realms and is best known for organizing the prestigious Met Gala charity event in New York. Although the financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed, The Independents has acquired a majority stake in Prodject, considering it a strategic investment. The group believes that there are many synergies between the partners and that their combined skills will enable them to serve their clients more comprehensively.
Recognizing the importance of the US market for its clients, The Independents sees Prodject as an ideal partner. With this acquisition, the group now considers itself the largest global creative network in the industry. By joining forces, they believe they have the resources and vision to shape the future of the fashion and luxury industry.
Founded in 2011 in New York by Keith Baptista, Jihye Song, and Tobias Armstrong, Prodject offers event organization services and serves as a brand consultant, providing end-to-end solutions for its clients. Notable clients of Prodject include Cartier, Gucci, Chanel, Prada, Ralph Lauren, Khaite, and the Met Gala. The agency has also organized events such as MADE Fashion Week in New York and the ‘Art + Film’ charity gala at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
Keith Baptista, Jihye Song, and Tobias Armstrong, the founders of Prodject, will join the board of directors of The Independents. The agency’s dedicated teams for each client will continue their operations without any changes.
This marks the fourth acquisition made by The Independents since its establishment in 2017. The group previously acquired luxury communication agency The Qode, global influencer marketing platform Lefty, and event production company Bureau Betak. With its expanding portfolio of acquisitions, The Independents now boasts 13 international offices and employs 600 people.
The acquisition of Prodject further strengthens The Independents’ position as a key player in the fashion and luxury industry. With its growing global creative network and expertise in event organization and brand consultation, The Independents is well-positioned to shape the future of the industry.
Useful links:
– Prodject official website
– The Independents official website
