2019 was a year full of so many corporate deals. Several companies tried expanding to new markets and services by making deals with other companies. Big companies acquired small ones to strengthen their marketplace. In some cases, even 2 big companies merged together to create a monopoly in the market and compete with the leader. Below are the biggest acquisitions that happened in the business world in 2019.
1. Walt Disney Merger & 21st Century Fox.
One of the biggest entertainment industry acquisitions since The Walt Disney Company bought Lucasfilm is now complete. On March 19, 2019, Disney acquired the bulk of 21st Century Fox’s movie and television assets for a whopping $71.3 billion, according to Variety and other trade outlets.
2. PublicisGroupe& Epsilon
Publicis Groupe announced in July last year the completion of the acquisition of data-driven marketing company, Epsilon, from Alliance Data Systems Corporation, at a net value of 3.95 billion dollars after tax step- up, implying an 8.2 times Adjusted EBITDA multiple.
3. S4 Capital &WhiteBalance
S4Capital’s MediaMonks merges with WhiteBalance and plans to double India presence. S4Capital, Sir Martin Sorrell’s post-WPP “peanut” is growing, with its flagship brand MediaMonks merging with Delhi-based content creation and production company WhiteBalance.
4. Havas Group – Think Design, Langoor & Shobiz
In 2019, Havas Group acquired three agencies in India. The acquisition spree began with Think Design, a user experience consultancy and design studio (May 2019), followed by Langoor, a digital marketing agency (in Sep, 2019) and finally ended with Shobiz, an experiential agency (in Dec, 2019). Each of the three agencies bring a very specific expertise to the table and thereby adding to the already existing pool of offerings of Havas Group.
5. Famous Innovations & Three Bags Full
Famous Innovations has acquired Mumbai-based creative shop, Three Bags Full. Three Bags Full was launched in 2014. The brand solutions company was founded by Akshay Menon and Sandeep Iyer. Some of the clients it has worked with include Doormint, Axis Bank, Sarva, Balaji Wafers and Times Group among others.
6. Reliance Brands & Hamley’s
Reliance Brands has completed acquisition of 100 per cent stake of Hamley’s Global Holdings (HGHL) through a special purpose vehicle company set up in United Kingdom for cash consideration of GBP 67.96 million.
7. Accenture Interactive & Droga5
Accenture has completed its acquisition of Droga5, one of the most innovative and influential creative agencies. The acquisition of Droga5, previously announced on April 3, adds more than 500 employees to Accenture Interactive, bringing unparalleled brand expertise, creativity and strategic rigor to help clients reinvent their brand experiences and meaningfully connect people with brands.
As Accenture Interactive celebrates its 10-year anniversary, the acquisition of Droga5 represents a significant milestone in an already momentous year.
