Glasgow-based marketing agency Equator has acquired a controlling stake in branding agency 999 Design Group for an undisclosed sum.
Equator managing director John McLeish said the acquisition of 999 – which has offices in Glasgow and London – was part of a major growth strategy by Equator which is on track to increase revenues to more than £15m in the current financial year.
“This is an exciting milestone in the evolution of the Equator Group,” he said. “The team’s design and creative expertise will further strengthen our own integrated approach to working with national and international brands and we are hugely excited by the opportunities we can create together.”
Clients of 999 Design include the Financial Times, Highland Spring, BBC and Victoria Beckham. Previously 999 Design worked extensively on major brand projects for BT, Reebok and Orange.
999 Design was established in 1982 and has around 25 staff. It will continue to operate as a separate company with founders Bill Gaughan and Richard Bissland remaining in the business while becoming part of Equator’s expanding portfolio of marketing businesses which also includes Equator PR and Equator Events.
Equator was established as a digital agency in 1990, currently employs 140 staff at its Glasgow headquarters and has a business development base in New York. The acquisition of 999 Design boosts its office footprint to include premises in Shoreditch, London.
Bill Gaughan, director of 999 Design, said: “We have admired Equator and its impressive growth for many years.
“With its strength in digital and our own brand expertise, we believe we can capitalise on many new and existing opportunities together. This is an exciting time for both businesses and we look forward to working with John and the team for years to come.”
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