Grey Healthcare Group (ghg) is making a play for the animal health marketing space with its acquisition of Geoff Howe Marketing Communications.

WPP-owned and New York-based ghg bought UK-based Geoff Howe in August to strengthen its animal health roster. Geoff Howe gives ghg an Eastern European hub in Prague, a Midwestern office in Kansas City and doubles the size of its London office. The UK agency also brings accounts in the pet nutrition, pharmaceuticals and retail spaces.

“Geoff Howe is an ideal fit for ghg,” said CEO Lynn O’Connor Vos in a statement. “Both companies understand the role of the professional in the consumer decision making process. Their strength in animal health dovetails perfectly with our expertise in human healthcare. This acquisition expands our reach in key markets throughout Europe and allows us to better serve the healthcare and biotech companies in the Midwest and West Coast, while bringing the full multichannel approach to the dynamic and growing $19 billion global animal health market.”

The deal allows the agency to move “from being a solely human healthcare agency into one that is versed in all aspects of health and wellness.”

“Clients want the best talent and ideas to grow their brands across the entire health and wellness continuum,” said Vos. “We are now in a position to offer clients a wider variety of expanded services and resources.”
Vos will continue to lead the agency while former Geoff Howe head Steve Connors becomes SVP, animal health.

Brands Geoff Howe has worked on in the animal health space includes Pfizer’s Rimadyl and Vanguard Felocell, HomeAgain pet ID and recovery devices and Hill’s Prescription Diet pet foods.