Octagon Acquires Brazilian Sports Agency
Sports and Entertainment agency Octagon has acquired B2S, a sports marketing firm based in Rio de Janeiro with an office in Sao Paulo, expanding its capabilities in South America.
The move strengthens Octagon’s offerings as Brazil readies to host the FIFA World Cup 2014 and the 2016 Olympic Summer Games. The deal comes after the two entities successfully collaborated on a 2010 FIFA World Cup sponsor pitch.
“That success convinced both of us that we were highly compatible and we are very pleased to be one firm today,” Octagon Marketing Americas President Jeff Shifrin said.
B2S principal and 10-year industry veteran, Alexandre Leitao, will become president of Octagon Brazil.
“We have been operating our agencies on a parallel track,” he said. “We have begun immediate collaboration on sponsorship marketing projects for both the FIFA World Cup 2014 as well as the 2016 Olympic Summer Games.”
B2S works with the Brazilian National Team and has had a sports marketing consulting role for major international brands including Itau, Ambev, Vivo, Panini, Red Bull, EA Sports, Andrade Gutierrez and others.
Octagon, founded 24 years ago, ranked No. 22 on the
2010 Promo 100 with estimated 2009 U.S. net revenue of $64.1 million. The agency manages some of Brazil’s major sporting events, as well as legendary athletes including Brazil national tennis hero Gustavo Kuerten and rising tennis star Tiago Fernandes. Octagon has provided strategic consulting and activation for more than 30 corporate sponsors of six FIFA World Cup tournaments (six FIFA World Cup 2010 clients in South Africa) and four UEFA European Championships. Since 1992, Octagon has worked for more than 30 corporate sponsors of the Olympic Games and represents Olympians Michael Phelps and Apolo Anton Ohno.
