DEG Acquired by UK Company for $150M

Dentsu Aegis Network of the UK announced today that it had acquired Overland Park-based DEG, one of the region’s most consistent fast-growth companies over the past 15 years. Terms of the deal were not announced, but The Wall Street Journal reported that the deal was worth  $150 million.

DEG, a digital marketing agency that provides social media, e-mail marketing, analytics and Web-site design services, will combine with Isobar, the digital agency arm of Dentsu Aegis. The newly formed agency will be called “DEG, Linked by Isobar.”

“This strategic acquisition supports Dentsu Aegis Network’s continued growth strategy for the U.S. and Isobar’s commitment to delivering experience-led transformation,” DEG said in announcing the sale. “By joining the Dentsu Aegis Network, DEG will enhance Isobar’s ability to deliver end-to-end commerce solutions.”

Neal Sharma, CEO, and the rest of the DEG management team will retain their positions, but Sharma will now report to Deb Boyda, the U.S. CEO for Isobar.

“All of us at DEG are excited about what this partnership with the world’s leading digital experience agency will allow us to offer our clients and their customers,” Sharma said. “Dentsu Aegis Network and Isobar’s vision for how our industry is evolving is spot-on, and combining global scale, people-based insights, and proven innovation with our existing capabilities and talents will provide an unparalleled caliber of service across the customer journey.”

Since its founding in 1999, DEG has made 13 appearances on Ingram’s Corporate Report 100 list of the region’s fastest-growing companies. Its most recent appearance in July, reflected 131.56 percent growth since 2013, and revenues for 2017 of nearly $51.1 million.