M+C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment announce acquisition

M+C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment has announced a strategic acquisition of Middle East-based marketing, communication and commercial company DUNE | 23.

The deal represents the growth of M+C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment’s seventh global office since its establishment in 2004.

The move also marks the first acquisition made for the agency since global CEO Robin Clarke’s appointment in October 2024.

Founded by Jamie Hosie and Lloyd McMillan in 2023, DUNE | 23 is an award-winning, sport and entertainment marketing and commercial agency in the Middle East that has made its mark within the industry with clients including Emirates Dubai 7s, Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, SailGP, Zeekr, Elrow Music Festival, Nada Dairy and BRED by Hypebeast.

Together with M+C Saatchi Middle East, which is led by CEO Scott Feasey, the two entities offer an ‘unrivalled portfolio of services to clients and brands looking for creative excellence and local talent, bolstered by global experience.’

The DUNE | 23 team will join the new offices of M+C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment in Dubai Media City later this year, whilst operating under their new name immediately.

Robin Clarke, global CEO, M+C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment, said, “Our expansion into the Middle East is driven by increasing demand from clients and the rich number of opportunities that the region represents for our business. What co-founders Jamie and Lloyd have built in the region in such a short space of time makes me incredibly excited for our future together. The alchemy of M+C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment’s global legacy and DUNE | 23’s local repute will make M+C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment a powerhouse in a region that is fast becoming one of the world’s leading hubs for sport and entertainment.”

Lloyd McMillan, founder of DUNE | 23, added, “We’re thrilled to be combining our local market insight and expertise with the global scale of world-class specialist capabilities of M+C Saatchi. Jamie Hosie added “We are unlocking huge opportunities for our team, existing clients, and the future of the industry in this region and eagerly anticipate for the next phase of our journey.”

Scott Feasey, CEO, M+C Saatchi Middle East, commented, “This acquisition is a pivotal step in advancing our regional growth trajectory and strengthening our leadership in a space where brand and culture converge. DUNE | 23 brings specialist expertise, a proven track record, and a team uniquely attuned to creating lasting impact through passion and fandom. By integrating their capabilities and insight into our ecosystem, we’re scaling our ability to lead in one of the world’s most dynamic and fast-growing markets for sport and entertainment.”