The text of the Dentsu Inc. news release distributed on December 20 is as follows.
December 20, 2017
Dentsu Inc. Reaches Agreement to Acquire 100% of Shares in U.S.-Based Global B2B Digital Marketing Company DWA
Dentsu Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Toshihiro Yamamoto; Capital: ¥74,609.81 million) has reached an agreement with the shareholders of David Wood & Associates Inc. ("DWA"), a U.S.-based global B2B digital marketing company (Headquarters: San Francisco, CEO: Bob Ray), to acquire 100% of its shares.
Founded in 1996, DWA has experienced rapid growth by leveraging its strengths in technology and data utilization to provide services that powerfully support decision-making and marketing activities. Currently offering comprehensive services, the company employs 150 professionals worldwide specializing in technology, integrated marketing, communication strategy, design, and more. Beyond its U.S. headquarters, it maintains sales offices in London and Munich in Europe, and in Singapore, Beijing, Bangalore, and Sydney in APAC.
Today, marketing-related technology is growing dynamically, compelling companies to accelerate their digital transformation. Consequently, demand is rising not just for tool implementation, but for advanced capabilities—such as how to analyze and leverage diverse data using technology and how to execute omnichannel strategies—making this a promising growth market.
DWA's strength lies precisely in its ability to provide services that meet these corporate needs. Furthermore, last year, we acquired Merkle, one of the largest independent data marketing companies in the United States, positioning it as one of our group's global network brands. We have begun the global rollout of services designed to maximize marketing ROI (Return on Investment). Moving forward, to enhance and expand Merkle's capabilities, we will rename DWA's business brand to "DWA, a Merkle Company." By integrating the expertise and know-how of both companies, we will provide highly competitive solutions in the global B2B digital market and accelerate our growth strategy.
The impact of this transaction on Dentsu's consolidated results for the fiscal year ending December 2017 is expected to be minimal.
*Dentsu Inc. Aegis Network (London), which oversees Dentsu Inc.'s overseas operations, conducts business globally centered around 10 global network brands. These 10 brands are: Carat, Dentsu (Dentsu Brand Agencies), dentsu X, iProspect, Isobar, mcgarrybowen, Merkle, MKTG, Posterscope, and Vizeum.
【Overview of DWA】
Company Name: David Wood & Associates Inc. (DWA)
Headquarters: San Francisco, California, USA; with offices in London, Munich, Singapore, Beijing, Bangalore, and Sydney
Established: March 1996
Shareholder Structure: 100% owned by Dentsu Inc. Aegis Network following share acquisition
Revenue: $19.9 million (approx. ¥2.24 billion) (Fiscal Year Ended December 2016)
Representative: Bob Ray (CEO)
Number of Employees: 150 (worldwide)
Business Description: Provides comprehensive digital marketing services in the B2B sector
End
Dentsu Inc. News Release
http://www.dentsu.co.jp/news/release/2017/1220-009415.html
