Dentsu Aegis Network strengthens its global content marketing capabilities by acquiring John Brown Media

Dentsu Aegis Network today announces that it has acquired John Brown Media, one of the world’s leading branded content agencies. 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.

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.

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For further information contact:

Fran Wyborn UK Head of Communications Dentsu Aegis Network T: +44 20 7550 3309 E:Fran.wyborn@dentsuaegis.com

Kirsten Doddy Global Head of Corporate Communications Dentsu Aegis Network T: +44 207 070 7751 E:Kirsten.doddy@dentsuaegis.com

Notes to Editors:

About Dentsu Aegis Network

Part of Dentsu Inc., Dentsu Aegis Network is made up of eight global network brands - Carat, Dentsu, Dentsu media, iProspect, Isobar, mcgarrybowen, Posterscope and Vizeum and supported by its specialist/multi-market brands including Amnet, Amplifi, Data2Decisions, Mitchell Communications (PR), psLIVE and 360i. Dentsu Aegis Network is Innovating the Way Brands Are Built for its clients through its best-in-class expertise and capabilities in media, digital and creative communications services. Offering a distinctive and innovative range of products and services, Dentsu Aegis Network is headquartered in London and operates in 110 countries worldwide with over 23,000 dedicated specialists. 

About iProspect

Founded in 1996 as a specialist Search agency in the US, iProspect has evolved to dominate the global digital performance marketing space, driving digital performance for clients through Paid & Natural Search, Performance Display, Affiliate Marketing, Mobile, Paid Social, Social Media Management, Content Generation, Lead Generation, Analytics and Conversion Rate Optimisation. The iProspect team stretches across 50 countries with 71 offices and over 2,500 employees and works with some of the world's leading advertisers including adidas Reebok, American Express, Burberry, Disney, General Motors, Hilton, Nokia, Regus, Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts, and Sonos. iProspect is wholly owned by Dentsu Aegis Network, having been acquired as part of Aegis Media in 2013.

About John Brown Media

John Brown Media is the world’s leading content marketing agency, creating award-winning content across all platforms, for some of the most respected global brands, including John Lewis, Waitrose, Pick n Pay, RBS, Edgars, Discovery, Spinneys, F&F, Home Centre, Shangri La Hotels, Emirates and Orange France.

A full service content agency, our in-house skills include marketing strategy, editorial, design, advertising sales, segmentation and personalisation, repro, print and production. Individual titles and websites win awards for their design, editors and illustration, or are named Magazine of the Year or Online Publishing Solution of the Year by the likes of the PPA, APA, NMA, MPASA and BSME. John Brown Media has offices in London, Dubai, Cape Town, Hong Kong and Johannesburg.