Dentsu launches Dentsu Aegis Network

Following the completion of Dentsu's acquisition of Aegis Group, a process that began in July last year, the former has created the Dentsu Aegis Network to manage its business outside Japan and Aegis Media's business worldwide. Dentsu Aegis Network will be headquartered in London.The Dentsu Network and Aegis Media will continue operating separately but will be led by the Dentsu Aegis Network management team and board of directors.This team is led by Tim Andree, Dentsu Inc. SVP and Dentsu Network CEO, who has taken on the role of executive chairman of Dentsu Aegis Network. Meanwhile, Jerry Buhlmann who remains as CEO of Aegis Media has also taken on duties as CEO of Dentsu Aegis Network.The network companies which were under the former Aegis Group will continue their operations under the Aegis media banner.Going forward, the Dentsu Group will aim to enhance its revenue structure and competitive advantage through an integrated product offering, said a note in Dentsu's release. It will also aim to make newer acquisitions, said the release."The addition of Aegis represents a massive step toward realising our vision of a client-centric, collaborative global network of the best-in-class digital and media agencies," Dentsu president and CEO Tadashi Ishii (pictured) said.Last year the Japanese advertising giant agreed to acquire Aegis Media in a deal that valued the UK-based media network at US$4.9 billion, creating one of the largest media buying groups in Asia Pacific, and allowing Dentsu a strong a presence in Europe and North America. The Dentsu Group now has a presence in 110 countries, employing more than 36000 professionals.Buhlmann said:"We have complementary geographic fits and aligned visions and strategies. Together, we have strengthened investment capabilities as we work to help more clients than ever before navigate the complex and converging media ecosystem," he said.