PwC Acquired an Interactive Marketing Company Because Why the Hell Not?

Posted on by Caleb Newquist
This lede from the South Florida Business Journal says it all:
The growing array of services provided by major accounting firms is being highlighted by PWC's acquisition of BGT Partners, one of South Florida's top interactive marketing companies. 
I mean, why wouldn't an accounting firm want an interactive marketing company? It has a nice buzz, doesn't it? Here's how Joe Duffy, PwC's Advisory Strategy and Consulting Leader, explained it in the SFBJ article:
[H]e liked how BGT effectively competed against agencies that were 20 times its size. PWC's reputation should carry weight in its effort to grow further.
 
PWC needed a stronger capability in digital strategy, analytics and user strategy, which BGT has, Duffy said.
 
When asked whether PWC making an interactive digital acquisition in South Florida, instead of New York or Los Angeles, might raise eyebrows, Duffy said, "We're a virtual business. What was more important was the equality of asset, quality of the management team and impact of the work they have done."

If you strip away all the buzziness, isn't what PwC really purchased a boutique advertising agency? If so, fine, whatever. If I'm way off, then fine, whatever.

But if they start buying up McDonald's franchises, then this industry will have really jumped the shark.

PWC strikes deal to buy BGT Partners [SFBJ]

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Who Has Questions for PwC’s Bob Moritz?

Good morning and welcome back, capital market servitudes. If you’re a PwC employee, you may or may not have heard some rumors that I might be making an appearance at the firm’s townhall meeting this week to chat up Chairman and Senior Partner Bob Moritz. Well, I’m happy to report that, despite a number (read: LOTS) of detractors and an intensive background check, I am being given 20 minutes with BoMo to ask him whatever I want. The problem is, I’m out of ideas.


Of course, that’s where you all can help. If you have questions that you’d like me to pose to Roberto, then please leave them below in the comments and we’ll add them to our current list of inquiries. Maybe you’re a PwC employee who wants to know where all the holiday cheer is. Maybe you’re wondering what Bob’s job entails when he’s not writing painful letters to auditing regulators. Maybe you’re a KPMG partner who is patiently waiting to HEAR BACK ABOUT A JOB. Whatever’s keeping you up at night, just let us know and we’ll squeeze in as many questions as time will allow.

This may be your one and only chance, so don’t let this slide. Go.