On March 1, Dentsu Inc.'s overseas headquarters, Dentsu Aegis Network, announced it had reached an agreement with shareholders of New Zealand's integrated advertising agency Barnes, Catmur & Friends Limited (BC&F) to acquire a 51% stake in the company. The agreement also grants the Dentsu Group the option to gradually increase its shareholding and make BC&F a wholly-owned subsidiary.
Founded in 1996, BC&F has grown into a leading independent full-service advertising agency in New Zealand, providing comprehensive advertising communication services encompassing advertising strategy development, creative production, media buying, and digital and social media. The company's services are highly regarded by the industry and client companies. It was ranked first in the Asia-Pacific region and fifth globally in the "Most Effective Independent Agencies 2015" awards announced by the U.S. non-profit organization Effie.
Following the acquisition, Dentsu Inc. plans to integrate BC&F into the network of Dentsu Branded Agencies, one of the nine global network brands* within the Dentsu Group and a creative agency, renaming it BC&F Dentsu. Going forward, it will accelerate its growth strategy in the Oceania region by collaborating with Dentsu Group companies in Australia and New Zealand.
*Dentsu Inc. Aegis Network (London), which oversees Dentsu Inc.'s overseas operations, conducts business globally centered around nine global network brands. These nine brands are Carat, Dentsu (Dentsu Branded Agencies), Dentsu media, iProspect, Isobar, mcgarrybowen, MKTG, Posterscope, and Vizeum.
【BC&F Company Overview】
Company Name: Barnes, Catmur & Friends Limited (BC&F)
Headquarters: Auckland, New Zealand
Established: June 1996
Shareholder Structure: After the acquisition, Dentsu Inc. holds 51%, and the company's management holds 49%.
Revenue: NZ$3.96 million (approx. ¥300 million) (Fiscal year ended December 2014)
Representatives: Daniel Barnes (Managing Partner & CEO), Paul Catmur (Managing Partner & ECD)
Number of Employees: 31
Business Description: Provides comprehensive advertising communication services
Dentsu Inc. News Releasehttp://www.dentsu.co.jp/news/release/2016/0301-008685.html
