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Dentsu Aegis Network acquires John Brown Media

Dentsu Aegis Network yesterday announced that it has acquired John Brown Media, a leading branded content agency.

John Brown Media’s rich depth of experience in creating and publishing content will enhance Dentsu Aegis Network’s existing content capabilities, creating a highly differentiated and innovative integrated content offering for clients globally, says Dentsu Aegis Network.

Established in 1987 and now with more than 225 staff, John Brown Media is headquartered in London and has offices in South Africa, Hong Kong and Dubai. John Brown Media provides its portfolio of high-profile clients with a range of services including print and digital publishing, content management, website strategy and film production.

Following the acquisition, John Brown Media will retain its brand identity and Andrew Hirsch, CEO, John Brown Media, will report to Tracy De Groose, CEO, Dentsu Aegis Network UK & Ireland. Andrew Hirsch will collaborate with Ben Wood, Global President of iProspect, Dentsu Aegis Network’s global digital performance agency, to integrate John Brown Media’s content publishing capabilities into iProspect’s performance-driven solutions globally.

“As one of the world’s largest content agencies, the acquisition of John Brown Media will add another dimension to our content offering across the group,” said Tracy De Groose, CEO, Dentsu Aegis Network UK & Ireland. “More clients are asking for content-led strategies and we’ll now be able to develop more innovative, content-rich solutions for them, and also accelerate our growth in this space. We are excited to welcome the John Brown Media team to our business.”

“The digital communications market has seen some major shifts as the focus for communications strategy evolves from the world of bought media, to one where earned and owned media often play the lead strategic role,” said Ben Wood, Global President, iProspect. “Successful search campaigns are increasingly reliant on the ability to drive audiences towards quality, editorialised content. By aligning publishing into our search and performance offering, iProspect creates real differentiation. The John Brown Media acquisition proves we are committed to a future that is driven by content, and brings us more depth in this space.”

“We have been producing brilliant content for some of the world’s most prestigious brands over the last 20 years. Now, as part of Dentsu Aegis Network, we will have the ability to work alongside some of the world’s leading strategists to deliver smarter content and drive even better results for our clients,” said Andrew Hirsch, CEO, John Brown Media.

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.