Dept and 3Q Digital have joined forces to create a 3000-strong global agency.
The “global powerhouse” will work across experience, tech, creative and media, managing in excess of $3bn in digital media spending.
“3Q Digital has become one of the fastest-growing agencies in the world by delivering ROI and transparency,” said Dimi Albers, CEO, DEPT, which has its UK headquarters in Manchester.
“Together we will be able to deliver speed and scale for our clients, powered by the best talent, data and tech stack. For us, this will mark a big step forward in the US as it will double our size and ability to combine marketing and tech in integrated teams for clients, which has been the secret to our industry-leading growth in Europe.”
3Q Digital’s clients include Walmart, Pandora, Skechers, Titleist, and Uniqlo.
Its proprietary solutions, including Qontrol, will be integrated into the Ada by DEPT proprietary martech platform after the closing of the transaction.
“DEPT is building a fully-integrated delivery model with simple structures, speed, clarity, and personal contact,” explained Rob Murray, CEO, 3Q Digital.
“Joining forces will expand our ability to impact the entire customer journey with the support of DEPT’s experience, commerce, technology and creative services. Their commitment as a climate neutral, Certified B Corporation, support for a hybrid work model, and pioneering spirit will create a new type of agency that is truly big enough to cope and small enough to care.”
Once the transaction is complete, 3Q Digital will be known as 3Q/DEPT.
“It’s a time of high-growth for the digital industry, as it has been since we acquired 3Q Digital in 2019,” said Penny Pritzker, chairman of PSP Partners and former U.S. Secretary of Commerce.
“These two powerhouses, each led by world-class teams, have all the ingredients for a long-term, winning strategy as a combined business.”
Pritzker will join the DEPT supervisory board.
The move is expected to close in the second quarter of the year. This is subject to conditions, including antitrust regulatory clearance.
