Dentsu Inc. agrees to acquire 100% stake in India's integrated digital agency WAT Consult

Dentsu Inc.'s overseas headquarters, Dentsu Aegis Network, announced on January 30th that it has reached an agreement with the shareholders of India's integrated digital agency WATConsult (hereinafter "WATConsult") to acquire a 90% stake in the company. The agreement also outlines plans to gradually increase the shareholding to ultimately reach 100%.

Founded in 2007, WATConsult began as a company with strengths in the social media domain and has since grown into one of India's leading integrated digital agencies. Operating nationwide in India, it provides a wide range of digital communication services to over 70 global and national clients. These services include digital creative, digital media advertising buying, campaign execution utilizing social and digital media, web and digital app/digital video production, and online reputation management.

Its services are highly regarded, earning numerous awards including the "Best Viral Marketing Campaign" at the IDMA (India Digital Media Awards), a prestigious Indian advertising award, and the "Red Herring Top 100 Asia Award" for the fastest-growing technology startups.

Additionally, founder and CEO Rajiv Dingra is renowned as a leading digital entrepreneur in India, as well as an opinion leader and blogger providing insights in the social media space.

While the Dentsu Group in India already operates a full-service structure, this acquisition will significantly strengthen its business foundation and service capabilities in the digital and social domains.

The Group will integrate WATConsult into the Isobar network, one of its global network brands. Operating under the brand name "WATConsult - Linked by Isobar," the company will accelerate its growth strategy in India by strengthening collaboration with other Group companies.

[WATConsult Overview]

Company Name: WAT Media Pvt Ltd (Brand Name: WATConsult)
Headquarters: Mumbai, India
　*Also has offices in Delhi, Bangalore, and Kolkata
Established: 2007
Shareholder Structure: After acquisition procedures are completed
・Dentsu Inc. Aegis Network: 90%
・Company Management 10%
(Ultimately Dentsu Inc. Aegis Network 100%)
Gross Profit: INR 164,087,000 (approx. ¥320 million) (Fiscal Year Ended March 2014)
Representative: Rajiv Dingra (Founder and CEO)
Number of Employees: 160
Business Description: Comprehensive digital communication services including social media marketing

Dentsu Inc. News Release
http://www.dentsu.co.jp/news/release/2015/0130-003953.html