Blue Horse: Milwaukee Partners Purchase Blue Horse

For More Information:

Contact: Steve Johnstone or Susie Falk

414-291-7620

MILWAUKEE, Wis. Nov. 30, 2005—The Milwaukee-based partners of Blue Horse have purchased the agency from its corporate parent, ESW of Chicago. The transaction was announced jointly by Tom Thiede, President of Blue Horse, and Jim Signorelli, CEO of ESW. Along with the sale of Blue Horse, Signorelli and Thiede also announced that Bob Welke, Managing Partner and Chief Creative Officer of ESW has moved to Blue Horse as its CEO and given up his stake in ESW for one in Blue Horse.

According to Thiede, “This is the outcome of a six-month transition in ownership, operations and management of the two offices, ESW/Chicago and Blue Horse. We have learned that independent organic growth will do more for our respective futures. While both offices offer a full range of marketing communication services, including advertising, public relations, direct marketing, sales promotion and e-communications, Chicago has a greater emphasis in the retail arena with a focus on transaction-driven accounts. For our part, Bob’s extensive experience will bring added strength to Blue Horse clients, especially in the area of branding.”

In addition to Welke and Thiede, the agency ownership team includes Stephen Johnstone, executive vice president and director of public relations and William Sheahan, executive vice president and director of client services.

Welke’s arrival at the Milwaukee agency represents a homecoming for the Milwaukee native who has more than 35 years experience in creative capacities with national and international agencies. These include: Leo Burnett, where he served as chief creative officer of Leo Burnett, USA, and as a member of its board of directors. He also held the title of Chairman and Chief Creative Officer at EuroRSCG Tatham. He has developed successful campaigns for, among others, Sony, Miller Brewing, Pillsbury, Reebok, Procter & Gamble, McDonald’s, Red Lobster, Midas, Hewlett-Packard, Allstate, Kellogg’s, Coca Cola and Brown Forman. Welke has been a judge at all major award shows and has been a keynote speaker at the Clios.

“I’ve enjoyed my experience at ESW/Chicago. I’ve also enjoyed working with the ESW/Blue Horse team for the past two years. The opportunity of agency ownership and full time work with this group in my hometown are very appealing,” Welke said. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Welke and his family have relocated to the Milwaukee area.

Blue Horse serves consumer and business-to-business clients, including American Family Insurance, Wal-Mart, U.S. Cellular, Froedtert Hospital and AQS. ESW’s roster includes KFC, Taco Bell, Options Industry Council, Payday Loan Stores and Dairyland Greyhound Park.

Blue Horse has billings of $30 million with 30 employees.