Dentsu Aegis Network acquires Australia’s WiTH Collective

AUSTRALIA – Dentsu Aegis Network has announced the acquisition of digital experience agency, WiTH Collective, a move intended to add scale and capability to the group in the market, in the areas of creative data and customer relationship management (CRM).

Nick Waters, CEO of Dentsu Aegis Network Asia Pacific, said that as a data-led, creative CRM business, WiTH operates in a “sweet spot for the marketing industry right now”.

“All businesses must improve their data capability and how that informs communications,” he added. “Bringing WiTH and its impressive management and agency team into the group enables us to accelerate our transformation in this area in Australia and to continue producing high quality work for clients.”

Following the acquisition, WiTH will retain its own branding and founders Justin and Dominique Hind will continue in their current roles of CEO and COO respectively. Both will report into Simon Ryan, CEO of Dentsu Aegis Network Australia and New Zealand (ANZ).

Ryan said the agency has an enviable position in market, “with an impressive client list and a strong reputation for excellence as a data-led, creative CRM business.”

“WiTH’s capabilities mirror our plans and ambitions in the CRM space and our businesses share an understanding of where media is going in the digital economy,” he said. “Together, we will help clients to navigate and succeed in this ever-changing landscape.”

Hind said the founders see becoming part of Dentsu Aegis as “the next major chapter” in the evolution of the agency.

“Being part of the Dentsu Aegis network will allow us to accelerate that for the agency, our clients and the wider Dentsu Aegis group,” he added. “Our team couldn’t be more delighted and excited about what the future holds for all of us.”

Founded in 2010 and based in Sydney, WiTH Collective’s range of services is focused on the intersection of technology, creativity and data. It currently boasts a team of 75 people servicing a list of blue chip clients in the market.

The agency was named Campaign Asia-Pacific’s ‘Australia Digital Agency of the Year’ and ‘Australia/New Zealand Specialist Agency of the Year’ in 2014.