MUMBAI: Dentsu Aegis Network has acquired Shanghai VeryStar Internet Science and Technology AKA VeryStar, which is a leading mobile and online retail commerce agency in China. VeryStar will become part of Dentsu Aegis Network’s digital agency Isobar China and will be known as 'VeryStar – Linked by Isobar.'
Established in 2011, VeryStar is based in Shanghai and has now grown to more than 70 staff, servicing a diverse portfolio of leading clients, including Uniqlo, Pizza Hut and KFC.
VeryStar CEO and founder Milan Jiang, who has been responsible for client development and overall business strategy and planning, will continue to lead the newly formed VeryStar – Linked by Isobar and report to Isobar China Group CEO Jane Lin-Baden.
"This acquisition is strategically important to support our ambition to become the number one agency in brand commerce in China by 2018. I’m confident that the added strength to the Isobar China leadership team and Very Star’s specialist capabilities in mobile commerce and online retail will drive us to fulfill our goals. I look forward to working with Milan and the team to drive the business forward in this ever changing and diverse environment," Baden commented.
On this acquisition, Dentsu Aegis Network Asia Pacific CEO Nick Waters said, "China is now the largest e-commerce market in the world and this is a key capability for the Group. VeryStar offers a rare opportunity to bring in that expertise to take full advantage of the rapid growth of the commerce market over the next few years. There is great talent within the VeryStar business and I look forward to seeing their significant contribution to both Isobar and Dentsu Aegis Network in China."
Isobar Global CEO Jean Lin added, "China is Isobar's centre of excellence for mobile and commerce innovation. Our global clients will benefit tremendously from the experience and innovation of VeryStar, winning in China's digital economy."
"We are very excited to be joining the globally acclaimed and highly awarded digital agency Isobar, and also becoming part of Dentsu Aegis Network – a rapid growth business with innovation at its heart," said Jiang. "We're looking forward to working closely with Jane and the team in China to develop and grow the business further and support more clients with our strength of knowledge in mobile and online retail commerce," Jiang added in parting.
