Assembly and ADK Global announce merger to form full-service challenger agency in APAC

Singapore – Global omnichannel media agency Assembly has officially merged with ADK Global, the network of overseas subsidiaries managed by Japan-based ADK Holdings Inc., following its acquisition by Stagwell. The merger signals the formation of the largest challenger to traditional holding companies in the Asia-Pacific region, combining robust media, creative, and performance capabilities under one roof.

The newly integrated entity will operate as ‘ADK Global Powered by Assembly,’ retaining ADK Global’s local leadership to ensure business continuity and strong client partnerships, while unlocking the scale and infrastructure of a wider network.

This move is a key milestone in Stagwell’s broader growth strategy for Asia-Pacific, as the US-based challenger marketing network accelerates its presence in the region. Clients across markets will now have access to a full-service, AI-enabled solution that blends world-class creative, media expertise, commerce, and data—allowing for culturally resonant, results-driven brand experiences at scale.

“Our unified model enables clients to thrive in a fast-changing environment,” said a spokesperson from Assembly. “We’re combining regional intelligence with global innovation to offer a connected, performance-focused approach.”

The merger brings together more than 800 experts across 12 APAC markets—including Japan, Mainland China, South Korea, India, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Australia—backed by a global talent pool of over 3,000 specialists.

At the heart of Assembly’s offering is its proprietary experience engine, STAGE, which equips clients with predictive AI, advanced media planning, scalable creative, and digital commerce capabilities.

The formation of ADK Global Powered by Assembly reinforces Assembly’s ambition to transform marketing into a growth engine for brands, positioning itself as the go-to partner for companies seeking agility, innovation, and measurable impact across Asia-Pacific.

“ADK Global joining forces with Assembly gives clients unparalleled access to creativity, brand performance, and regional depth – all in one partner,” said Rick Acampora, global CEO of Assembly. “This isn’t just about scale. It’s about delivering smarter, more connected omni experiences to make brands perform amidst the region’s most complex marketing challenges.”

“This isn’t just a regional expansion—it’s a redefinition of what full-service, integrated marketing means in APAC,” said Richard Brosgill, CEO of Assembly APAC. “We’re bringing together the best of both worlds: ADK Global’s creative heritage and cultural fluency with Assembly’s global scale and connected media expertise. We’re not just responding to market demand—we’re setting the pace of change.”

“ADK Global has a proud legacy of creative leadership in Asia,” added Yasuyuki Katagi, former CEO of ADK Global and now chief integration officer, APAC for the combined agency. “Now, with Assembly, we’re not just preserving that legacy—we’re elevating it. Our clients will continue receiving the same high-impact creative and content, now backed by deeper media expertise, tools, and technology.”