Dept, an European agency with a presence in Manchester, has bought a US design agency known for its work with Google, KFC, Patagonia and Airbnb.
The Amsterdam-headquartered agency, whose client roster includes the likes of Bose, Ganni, Mizuno, Netflix, said its acquisition of BASIC marks a “chapter of growth” as it continues its US expansion.
It comes some four years after Manchester agency Building Blocks was acquired by Dept in 2016, before it rebranded as Dept in 2018.
The agency is now in 13 countries and employs 1,500 people across the globe.
Dept chief executive Dimi Albers said the agency’s goal is “to build the best agency in the world”, and one of the “key steps” to achieve it is to “build a leading agency in the US that helps our clients further build and accelerate their digital business”.
He said: “After making a strong start in technology with our Rocket Insights team, we were looking for the best digital experience and eCommerce design agency out there to join us on our journey and form the heart of Dept in the U.S.
“BASIC® is rapidly growing while working for some of the biggest brands in the world, and shares our cultural values when it comes to running a people business.
“Simply put: it’s a perfect match.”
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BASIC, which has offices in San Francisco, San Diego, and St. Louis, employs 120 people and will now operate under the leadership of its founder and chief executive Matt Faulk, vice president of operations Ashley Reichel, vice president of creative Steve Denekas, and vice president of strategy Ryan Parkhurst.
Mr Faulk said: “In a digital-led world, our expertise in customer experience strategy, digital products, and eCommerce has helped these brands to thrive and move fast.
“Now, as more people rely more on digital platforms in the face of the pandemic, they have greater potential than ever to shift perceptions and drive cultural conversations.
“Joining Dept greatly strengthens this positioning by bringing data and technology into the mix.”
The deal is Dept’s first in the U.S. since being backed by investment firm The Carlyle Group earlier this year, it said.