Juicebox acquires stake in Island Media, plans SEA expansion

Digital agency Juicebox has acquired a major shareholding in Island Media, a branding and digital agency in Indonesia, according to the agency in a statement.

Located in Western Australia, the strategic acquisition is part of plans for the agency to expand into the Southeast-Asian (SEA) market.

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The merger marks a significant leap forward for Juicebox, expanding its capabilities and the capacity of both teams, and creating new collaborative pathways for innovation that will ultimately translate into superior client engagements and outcomes.

“We are thrilled to welcome Island Media into the Juicebox family. This acquisition is not just about expanding our business; it’s about tapping into a wealth of talent, experience, and insights,” said Chris Nelson, managing director of Juicebox.

“We are confident that by joining forces, we will unlock synergies that redefine our offering and improve every client engagement,” he added.

“Becoming a part of Juicebox is an exciting chapter for Island Media. We are proud of what we have achieved over the last decade in the Indonesian market, and with Juicebox’s support and integration of our teams, we are eager to deepen our capabilities and expand our market leadership here and across the wider region,” said Jonathan Cross, managing director of Island Media.

"The combined team now comprises approximately 100 dedicated professionals who bring diverse talents, insights, and experiences to the table," said Cross in an exclusive statement to MARKETING-INTERACTIVE. He added that with the fusion of expertise, the partnership will pave the way for more exceptional outcomes for clients, while solidifying its presence in the ever-evolving digital landscape. 

"Our existing leadership structures at both Island Media and Juicebox will remain intact. This continuity ensures that the wealth of experience and creative energy that have defined both agencies will continue to drive our endeavors," Cross added. He stated that Nelson will continue as the managing director of the Juicebox Group.

"The acquisition will see deeper integration and collaboration between teams as we move towards a single 'Juicebox' brand in both markets," Joel Pember, director and co-founder of Juicebox, added when MARKETING-INTERACTIVE reached out.

Juicebox aims to deepen regional relationships by providing cross-border support for companies seeking strategic branding, marketing communications and best-in-class digital products and experiences to better connect with audiences and stakeholders in both jurisdictions.

Pember also added that Indonesia’s digital economy was expected to grow rapidly from 5.8% to 20% of its national GDP by 2025.

With Indonesia being the sixth in the world and highest in SEA for start-ups, Juicebox wanted to tap into the country’s immense creative energy and entrepreneurial spirit. Pember added that the agency is confident that the joining of forces will unlock synergies that redefine the company’s offerings and improve client engagement.

With the merger, Juicebox expects the fusion of diverse talents, multicultural perspectives and regional market insights to drive a new era of innovation and creativity in the continued pursuit of excellence.

This merger rides a wave of recent announcements and strategic agreements made by WA State Premier, Roger Cook, that seek to strengthen ties between the Western Australian and Indonesian business communities.

“Southeast Asia has some of the world’s fastest growing economies which offer a huge range of opportunities for Western Australia to engage in mutually beneficial trade and investment. Now is the time that economic and trade relationships provide an important catalyst for the challenges we confront,” said Cook at the 2023 ASEAN Business and Investment Sumit in Jakarta.

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