In 2020 we have seen seven deals from Waterland Private Equity and the Japanese Network Hakuhodo including those made through their investment vehicle Kyu which operates in the US and across Europe. This illustrates the impact that private equity continues to make on the sector alongside the more newly formed vehicles including S4 detailed below.
We have commented on the traditional networks reduced M&A volumes but Dentsu have, once again, been the most acquisitive with six acquisitions in this period but it is important to note that five of the six deals were transacted in Q1 before global market conditions turned.
S4 continued its stellar growth trajectory fuelled by a heavy technology client base with six acquisitions in the period including Dare.Win in September and Orca Pacific in July, and have seen their share price almost quadruple from its low point in March. In November 2020, Republix added five agencies to its portfolio to grow its core competencies in advertising and digital marketing.
The list of the eight acquirers in the period that made over two acquisitions includes a wide selection of private equity, large and mid cap marketing services groups and more modern buyers. Accenture continues to be the most prolific consultancy in the space with three marketing services acquisitions including CreativeDrive in August 2020.