MUMBAI: Dentsu Aegis Network has acquired an 85 per cent stake in UK based branded content agency John Brown Media.

As per the deal, Dentsu also has an option that would allow expansion to 100 per cent shareholding after 2018.

Founded in 1987, John Brown Media started out as a publisher of consumer magazines and newsletters, and then evolved into a company that provides its portfolio of high-profile, multinational clients with a range of services such as print and digital publishing, content management, website strategy and film production.

In addition to the U.K., John Brown Media has offices in South Africa, Hong Kong and Dubai, facilitating the expansion of innovative content marketing services on a global scale.

The Dentsu Group has to date provided its clients with services in the digital performance domain through iProspect. The acquisition of John Brown Media will strengthen the cooperative relationship that the company already has with iProspect and other Group companies, and contribute to the maximization of client ROI through highly differentiated value-added solutions.

John Brown Media reported annual revenue of GBP 1.67 million for the year ended March 2014. Established in 1987, the agency has 225 employees and is headed by Andrew Hirsch as CEO.