Auspicious Holdings Makes Strategic Acquisition
Deal News | Jan 08, 2025 | Business Cloud
Auspicious Holdings, a newly established media group, has completed its third acquisition within three months of its inception. Founded by industry veterans Rachel Pendered, Mark Killick, and Barnaby Cook in October 2024, the company aims to become a leader in the creative services sector. After acquiring Studio Yes and Blue Chalk Media late last year, Auspicious Holdings has added DBLX, a digital custom content and platform provider, to its portfolio. DBLX, led by CEO Nicky Hoyland, offers transformative digital content and consulting services to enterprises, and counts major brands like Santander and Centrica among its clients. The acquisition aligns with Auspicious's strategy to expand in the learning and HR markets. Nicky Hoyland and Rob Ashcroft, former head of capability at Santander UK, have taken strategic roles within Auspicious to drive growth and innovation.
Sectors
- Media and Entertainment
- Human Resources Technology
- Education Technology
Geography
- United Kingdom – A portion of the acquired entities and key personnel, including DBLX and its CEO, are based in the UK.
- United States – Past acquisitions of Auspicious Holdings included U.S.-based company Blue Chalk Media.
- Australia – One of the founders of Auspicious Holdings has established global business bases including Australia.
Industry
- Media and Entertainment – The article discusses the expansion of Auspicious Holdings, a media group involved in creative services, including video production and film.
- Human Resources Technology – With the acquisition of DBLX, focusing on digital content for HR transformation, the article falls under the HR technology sector.
- Education Technology – The focus on learning and development through Auspicious's acquisition of DBLX relates to innovations in EdTech.
Financials
- 5.5 million – Revenue brought in by acquisitions of Studio Yes and Blue Chalk Media.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auspicious Holdings | Bidding Company | Company | A newly established media group focusing on creative services and expanding in the learning & HR market. |
| DBLX | Target Company | Company | A digital custom content and platform business offering services like immersive digital content and strategic consulting. |
| Nicky Hoyland | CEO of DBLX, joins Auspicious | Person | Co-founder and CEO of DBLX, who will also serve as Global Chief Innovation Officer at Auspicious. |
| Rob Ashcroft | Chief Learning Officer at Auspicious | Person | Former head of capability at Santander UK, joining Auspicious to develop its learning consultancy. |
| Rachel Pendered | Founder of Auspicious Holdings | Person | Entrepreneur who previously built Media Zoo into a leading company. |
| Mark Killick | Founder of Auspicious Holdings | Person | Entrepreneur and former builder of Media Zoo. |
| Barnaby Cook | Founder of Auspicious Holdings | Person | Entrepreneur who grew Casual Films into an international business. |