What you need to know:

• Melbourne independent joins Hero.
• Network founder Ben Lilley woos more indies thinking about selling.

Independent full service agency group Hero has acquired Magnum Opus Partners. The Melbourne-based creative shop has nine employees led by founder Mike Allen, CEO Erin Lightfoot and Creative Director Pat Langton.

Hero founder Ben Lilley said the firm’s expertise in property and government communications would complement the network’s national footprint.

Lilley acquired McCann Australia from the global group in 2020 and now operates it under licence. Included in the deal were SMART, the digital agency he founded in 2000, and PR firm Red Republic.

Lilley then moved for content and production businesses Red Engine SCC and The Engine Room, digital and design shop JSA Brisbane and data and technology developer BBE.

The group now seeks further acquisitions – and is actively wooing independent agencies looking to sell.