As it enters its 30th year of trading, Aberdeen headquartered brand consultancy Art Department has been acquired by two long-term board members for an undisclosed sum.
The award-winning company, which has been responsible for creating some of the most instantly recognisable brands across a range of sectors was established in Aberdeen by Gerry Kelly in 1993. Since then, it has expanded to include offices in Edinburgh and Bergen.
New joint managing directors, Fraser Mackie and Prem Reynolds, joined Art Department in 2006 and 2009 respectively. Fraser, who retains his operational title of Digital Director, says this latest move has been in the pipeline since that time:
“We have created an incredibly successful, highly-respected business and have always had a clear succession plan in place. Our buyout is the final phase of a five-year strategy and the result of conversations that began over 15 years ago. Together with Gerry, we’ve built a creative and digital agency that stands with the best in Scotland.”
Joint managing director Prem Reynolds will also continue to execute his existing role as creative director, consolidating the company’s reputation as brand-building specialists. The agency currently counts spirit giants Edrington and Whyte & Mackay, global shipping carrier Oldendorff and government agency Quality Meat Scotland amongst its clients. The team has also developed many brands on its home turf of the North-east – from the Energy Transition Zone to award-winning bakers, Murdoch Allan.
Prem comments: “From the iconic, globally-recognised Subsea7 brand to some of the world’s most famous malt whiskies, Art Department has been at the forefront of company, service and product branding activity. As we approach 30 years in business, we’re as creative and innovative as any recent start-up, but with the in-depth knowledge and experience our clients need and appreciate.”
The acquisition process was supported by creative industry experts, Leafe Consulting.