Dentsu Aegis said that John Brown Media was a good fit as its “rich depth of experience in creating and publishing content will enhance Dentsu Aegis Network’s existing content capabilities”.
London-based John Brown Media offers clients including John Lewis, Chelsea FC and Vue print and digital publishing, content management, website strategy and film production.
It will retain its brand identity proposition, both print and digital, and work closely with iProspect, Dentsu Aegis Network’s global digital performance agency, to integrate John Brown Media’s content publishing capabilities with its digital offering.
John Brown’s chief executive Andrew Hirsch, will report to Tracy De Groose, chief executive of Dentsu Aegis Network UK & Ireland. Hirsch will collaborate with Ben Wood, global President of iProspect.
De Groose said: “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.
“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."
A Dentsu Aegis Network spokeswoman said that John Brown Media's "credible publishing capabilities" was one of the attractions for the purchasers.
"John Brown has been producing brilliant printed content for 20 years and will continue to do so," she added.
Established in 1987 and now with more than 225 staff, John Brown Media also has offices in South Africa, Hong Kong and Dubai. Hirsch said the acquisition would enable John Brown Media to “work alongside some of the world’s leading strategists to deliver smarter content and drive even better results for our clients".
It works across B2C, B2B and staff communications and is known for its print and digital customer magazines and catalogues.
Wood added: “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.
“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.”
