April 21, 2022 | 4 min read
4 min
Independent agency network Dept has announced the acquisition of marketing agency 3Q Digital for an undisclosed sum.
Dutch network Dept has acquired digital marketing agency 3Q / Dept
3Q is headquartered in Chicago and specializes in digital media solutions and strategic consulting. Its clients include Pandora, Netdoor, Uniqlo and Skechers.
The takeover will increase Dept’s US footprint significantly, adding over 500 staff at a stroke. Dimi Albers, chief executive officer of Dept, said: “3Q Digital has become one of the fastest-growing agencies in the world by delivering ROI and transparency. 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.”
The agency will be renamed 3Q/Dept, and its shareholders – which include Erie Street Capital and PSP Partners, a US private investment fund run by former secretary of state for commerce Penny Pritzker – given shares in Dept.
Pritzker said: “It’s a time of high growth for the digital industry, as it has been since we acquired 3Q Digital in 2019. These two powerhouses, each led by world-class teams, have all the ingredients for a long-term, winning strategy as a combined business.”
Its proprietary tech platforms, including its ‘Qontrol’ product, will be integrated into Dept’s own proprietary martech stack Ada.
Rob Murray, chief executive of 3Q Digital, said: “Dept is building a fully-integrated delivery model with simple structures, speed, clarity and personal contact. 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.”
Dept has made a series of acquisitions in the last year, including the buyouts of agencies Sorthvid, Feed and Devetry. In January, it announced the acquisition of US data science firm Raybeam. The acquisition of 3Q will bring its global headcount to around 3,000 staff.
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