Once Upon A Time strikes deal to acquire Toucan agency

l-r Gary Rapps, Once Upon a Time’s Joe Garton and Rob Ward, Mike Benns

Once Upon A Time has secured its fifth acquisition with the purchase of brand activation and shopper marketing agency Toucan for an undisclosed sum.
Launched in 1991 by former BTLM duo Gary Rapps and Mike Benns, Toucan’s clients include Peperami, Allied Bakeries, Ocean Spray and Unilever.
The acquisition of Toucan further supports Once Upon A Time’s strategy to offer independent, fully integrated solutions for clients, which include media, advertising, digital, shopper marketing and production.
The directors believe that Toucan’s strategic approach to delivering brand activations, promotional and shopper activity will further enhance the group’s offerings to clients.
Once Upon A Time chief executive Joe Garton said: “Toucan has a great heritage in strategic shopper marketing and brand activation which will broaden our services in this area. Increasingly clients are looking for a combination of digital (screen) and shopper (in-store) solutions and Toucan’s skills in these areas are exceptional and will add greatly to both agencies offering.”
Mike Benns added: “The culture of Once Upon A Time is perfectly aligned to that of Toucan which makes joining the group exceptionally exciting. We have been working together for some time now so this formalises what already is a great partnership and brings a wide range of marketing services under one roof.”