Dentsu Aegis Network Acquires Creative Agency Whitespace

Dentsu Aegis Network today announces the acquisition of Edinburgh-based creative agency, Whitespace.

Founded in 1997 with a focus on digital and brand design, Whitespace has developed into one of Scotland’s leading and most awarded creative agencies with a client list that includes Aegon, Sainsbury’s Bank, and the Scottish Government. With expertise in brand strategy, digital production, content and integrated campaigns spanning mobile, augmented reality and virtual reality, the acquisition will accelerate Dentsu Aegis Network’s creative capability in Scotland and the wider UK market.

The 65-strong team at Whitespace will become part of Dentsu Aegis Network’s northern operations. Dentsu Aegis North employs 640 people across Manchester, Leeds, Edinburgh and Newcastle, providing media, digital, creative, data and technology services for clients such as Thomas Cook and Visit Scotland.

Stef Calcraft, Executive Chairman, Dentsu Aegis Network UK & Ireland said: “I am delighted to announce that Whitespace, Scotland’s leading and most awarded creative agency, is joining our network. The agency is a great addition to our North business and accelerates our creative capability in Scotland and the wider region, offering our clients unrivalled expertise through an Edinburgh team of 135 people.’

Rachel McDonald, Managing Director, Dentsu Aegis Network North said: “As consumers continue to demand better brand experiences, disruptive creativity becomes a strategic imperative. As such, I’m excited to welcome Whitespace to Dentsu Aegis Network - their hugely talented team and thriving culture truly stands out. Scotland remains strategically important for us, and this substantial investment underlines that. ”

John Mathieson, Chief Operating Officer, Dentsu Aegis Network North added: “Whitespace presents a huge opportunity for us to enhance our proposition and to further accelerate our growth and that of our clients. By integrating the digital brand experience and content capability possessed by Whitespace with our existing media, data and tech offering we will be able to develop even more compelling and effective solutions for our clients.”

Whitespace’s joint Managing Partners, Iain Valentine and Phillip Lockwood-Holmes, will continue to lead the business, with the current management team and all employees remaining in place in Edinburgh.

Iain Valentine, Managing Partner of Whitespace said: “We are incredibly proud of the agency we have built, our talented team and our growth over the years. We have always carved our own path and innovated at pace, joining Dentsu Aegis Network is a natural next step in this journey. We believe that great creative and communication is built on data-driven customer insight, being part of Dentsu Aegis Network will allow us to leverage the most advanced media planning and performance marketing techniques to drive success for our clients.”

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.