Byte, the marketing technology ("martech") agency of choice for fast-growing, digital platform brands, has today announced that it has joined international digital agency Dept. Together, both agencies will strengthen end-to-end digital services for clients across the globe.
Byte was advised by Osborne Clarke. The Osborne Clarke team was led by corporate Partner Tim Birt and Associate Director Ken Wilkinson. Hill Dickinson advised Dept.
As a Sunday Times Tech Track 100 company, Byte’s position as a trailblazing martech agency specialising in ad campaigns, AR, automation and chatbots has attracted long term clients that include Spotify, ASOS and Just Eat Takeaway. In 2020, Byte grew its global revenue by 20%, adding a number of high-growth clients to its roster, including TikTok, Twitch and Zoopla.
Backed by investment firm The Carlyle Group, Dept is one of the fastest growing digital agencies in the world. Known for helping brands like BOSE, Mizuno and Patagonia to grow and accelerate their digital business by combining creativity, technology and data, Byte was attracted by Dept’s digital DNA, culture and ambitious growth plans. With Dept’s significant footprint of 27 offices around the world, Byte now has the opportunity to provide a full-service digital offer to its global clients.
Dimi Albers, CEO at Dept, said: “Alex, Jamie and the team have established a high reputation for innovative advertising campaigns, pioneering AR effects and advanced chatbots. Their ability to grow fast while operating at the intersection of creativity, technology and data makes this a perfect mix, and we can’t wait to start working together on some of the best brands in the world.”
Byte’s Co-Founder, Alex Miller, commented: “We’ve become part of Dept to accelerate global growth and supercharge our tech offer with access to over 500 engineers across the world. We’re excited to help Dept achieve its vision of becoming the leading digital agency in the world.” Byte’s Co-Founder, Jamie Kenny, added: “Byte will retain the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit that our clients love, while Dept’s mantra of being ‘big enough to cope and small enough to care’ really resonates with our approach.”
Alex Miller further commented: "Tim, Ken and the whole team at Osborne Clarke have been excellent partners right from the very start of this process. They have been a brilliant team to work with, providing valuable strategic advice early on and then executing the deal smoothly and efficiently."
International technology investment bank GP Bullhound acted as exclusive financial advisor for this transaction.
Osborne Clarke advises some of the best and brightest businesses across the marketing services sector. It is widely recognised for its corporate expertise in this dynamic market, and its track record advising on M&A deals across Europe and at every stage of company development across all corporate issues. The team is also a go-to practice for many companies in the tech, media & comms sector, working with global businesses to fast-growth start-ups and market challengers.
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