Next Different

Next Different positions itself as a premier integrated communication company in Italy, created from the union of two distinct entities: Different and Next14. This merger brought together Different's expertise in creativity, public relations, events, and research with Next14's data-centric approach to media strategy and technology. The company aims to guide brands through the entire communication journey, blending creative strategies with robust technological and data-driven planning.

The formation of Next Different was finalized following the acquisition of 100% of Next14 by SAE Communication, which had previously acquired Different. The shareholders of Next14 demonstrated their commitment by reinvesting approximately €10 million into the new structure, joining Gruppo SAE and the founders of Different, Davide Arduini and Andrea Cimenti, in the shareholding of SAE Communication. This vehicle, which now controls both companies, is set to be renamed "Next Different." The leadership team reflects this integration, with Marco Ferrari, founder of Next14, and Davide Arduini, founder of Different, serving as co-CEOs. Alberto Leonardis, founder of SAE Group, acts as Executive Vice President, and Donato Iacovone has been named President. This strategic consolidation is designed to establish a national leader in integrated communication with ambitious goals to double its revenue within three years through both organic expansion and further acquisitions.

The firm offers a comprehensive suite of services that includes media strategy and planning, creativity and branding, retail media, events management, market research, and sports and sponsorships. A core component of its business model is a proprietary technology platform that analyzes over 15 million consumers, allowing for data-informed decision-making across all its services. This data-driven methodology supports brands at every stage of their communication efforts. Next Different operates from four locations in Milan, Padua, Sassari, and Madrid, with its main headquarters located in Milan. For the first half of 2024, the new group reported revenues exceeding 36 million euros, a significant increase of over 20% compared to the same period in the previous year, with a full-year revenue target of over 75 million euros.

Keywords: integrated communication, media strategy, data-driven marketing, creative services, public relations, event management, brand strategy, Italian communication agency, media planning, market research, digital marketing, retail media, sports marketing, corporate communication, Next14, Different, SAE Communication, Marco Ferrari, Davide Arduini, Alberto Leonardis, Donato Iacovone