Dentsu Aegis Network acquires NZ digital agency Little Giant
Dentsu Aegis Network today announced the acquisition of Little Giant, a New Zealand digital agency.
The agency will join Isobar, a global digital marketing agency, to strengthen its presence in the market by scaling the local creative and digital capabilities.
Little Giant was founded in 2011, and now boasts a team of more than 40 employees providing digitally focused creative services from Auckland's CBD.
The agency partners with clients to create and implement digital products and services, brand communications and experiences, and cross-channel, digitally-led campaigns.
The agency roster includes internationally renowned brands such as Fonterra, Les Mills, Rocketlab and Marketo, as well as leading New Zealand brands such as Harcourts, Firth and Spark.
Following the acquisition the agency will become "Little Giant, Linked by Isobar" and founder Mark Hurley will remain CEO, reporting to Dentsu Aegis Network NZ CEO, Rob Harvey.
Hurley says, "I see this acquisition as an exciting next step in the evolution of Little Giant. As part of Isobar and Dentsu Aegis Network, we will dramatically enhance our ability to offer world-class creativity and digital innovation to existing and new clients within the New Zealand market.
"We have been extremely impressed by the vision of the Isobar brand, the alignment with our culture and values, and their desire to let us continue to operate the business as we do now.
The move enables Little Giant to leverage Isobar's global network and capabilities while maintaining its identity and culture.
Konrad Spilva, Isobar Group ANZ CEO, says, "The addition of Little Giant to the Isobar family will grow our strong digital footprint in New Zealand and enhance our skills in the digital consultancy space across ANZ.
"Mark and his team have built an enviable reputation in creative and technology. Ultimately, we want to help our clients create better experiences for their customers and Little Giant is imperative to helping us meet that goal in New Zealand.
Little Giant has been one of New Zealand's most prominent independent agencies in the last 12 months after a successful run of new business wins, and several high-profile hires.
In 2015, the agency was named in the Deloitte NZ Fast 50, and 2016 Deloitte APAC Technology Fast 500.
Following this run of growth, CEO and founder Mark Hurley was named a finalist in the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards in July.
Rob Harvey, Dentsu Aegis Network New Zealand CEO, says, "As we continue on our journey to ensure our group and clients are leading in the digital economy, Little Giant, Linked by Isobar is an important part of our strategy and will bring transformational digital creative capability to our New Zealand business.
Mark is an outstanding leader and together with his team Little Giant have delivered market leading growth. They have done this through strong work and the development of an enviable culture. I am absolutely thrilled to welcome Mark and the Little Giant team into the Dentsu Aegis Network family.
