Media and digital communications giant Dentsu Aegis Network has acquired Edinburgh-based creative agency Whitespace, strengthening its presence in the north of the UK in the process. The financial terms have not been disclosed.

On the back of the acquisition, Whitespace’s 65-person team will become part of Dentsu Aegis’ northern operations – which employs 640 people across Manchester, Leeds, Edinburgh, and Newcastle. This team will boost Dentsu Aegis with specialisation in brand strategy, digital production, content, and integrated campaigns across mobile, augmented reality, and virtual reality.

“As consumers continue to demand better brand experiences, disruptive creativity becomes a strategic imperative,” said Rachel McDonald, managing director at Dentsu Aegis Network North. “As such, I’m excited to welcome Whitespace to Dentsu Aegis Network – their hugely talented team and thriving culture truly stands out. Scotland remains strategically important for us, and this substantial investment underlines that.”

Founded in 1997, Whitespace’s joint managing partners, Iain Valentine and Phillip Lockwood-Holmes, will continue to lead the business with all current management and employees remaining at the firm’s Edinburgh headquarters.

“We are incredibly proud of the agency we have built, our talented team and our growth over the years,” said Valentine. “We have always carved our own path and innovated at pace, joining Dentsu Aegis Network is a natural next step in this journey. We believe that great creative and communication is built on data-driven customer insight, being part of Dentsu Aegis Network will allow us to leverage the most advanced media planning and performance marketing techniques to drive success for our clients.”