SYDNEY — Independent marketing and communications agency Bastion has expanded its corporate affairs offer with the acquisition of boutique corporate advisory firm Daymark. 

Founded 15 years ago by industry leaders John Fergusson and Richard Peters, Daymark advises senior leaders on complex communications challenges and helps Australian organisations to navigate reputational risk and opportunity.

The acquisition also adds Daymark's AI-powered reputation intelligence platform to Bastion's offer. Bastion ANZ CEO Cheuk Chiang said the acquisition was a significant step in the 300-strong agency's ambition to be the strongest independent network in the region.

“Our strategy has always been to bring together the best experts under one roof to solve our clients’ most critical problems. With Daymark now part of Bastion, we’re building something truly unique and effective in the reputation and corporate affairs space - the know-how of experienced practitioners that are informed by data and powered by AI,” said Chiang.

Fergusson and Peters will lead an expanded Bastion Reputation corporate affairs practice, under the direction of Bastion’s managing director of corporate communications and PR, Richard Chapman. Peters will be based in Sydney, with Fergusson and the Daymark team joining Bastion’s Melbourne hub.

On the strategic value of the acquisition, Chapman said: “Daymark is a best-in-class corporate advisory firm. John, Richard and the team bring an incredible wealth of experience, trusted relationships and in-depth insights around reputation that will strengthen our offer to clients.”

Peters added that the decision to join Bastion was driven by a shared commitment to delivering high-impact, values-led work for clients navigating complexity in a fast-moving environment.

“Joining a wider team that spans insights and research, creative, media, digital, PR, and customer experience, allows us to elevate our offering while staying true to our core strength - helping organisations build, manage, protect or restore their reputation with clarity, confidence and credibility.

“Aligning with Bastion strengthens our ability to support clients through any challenge, whether that’s reputation building, issue navigation, or government engagement, making us true problem solvers.”