Mark Wright-owned digital marketing agency Climb Online has been acquired by global agency group xDNA.
Climb Online was founded by BBC The Apprentice winner Mark Wright and Lord Sugar in 2015.
The acquisition will further strengthen xDNA’s digital capabilities and bring the group to over 130 people globally, producing one of the largest full service digital marketing and software agencies in the UK.
This is the first BBC Apprentice business to have been acquired in the history of the show.
“I am incredibly proud of the agency Climb Online has become, and the success we have achieved for our team, clients, and partners,” Wright, said.
“Through integrating Climb Online into the xDNA Group, the agency will continue its impressive growth and leading digital strategies for some of the world’s greatest brands. I am incredibly excited about the future of Climb Online and will be staying on as both a non-executive Director and Shareholder.”
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Climb Online has also become the first business to successfully exit from BBC’s The Apprentice.
Lord Sugar added: “Climb Online has experienced rapid growth since Mark and I founded the business, and I’m so proud of what has been achieved. I look forward to seeing the next phase of growth with great interest, as this is a great example to all budding entrepreneurs of what can be possible.”
The buyout comes as xDNA Group looks to grow further into Europe and Australia through both acquisitions and organic growth. The group, formed by entrepreneurs Mark Chambers and Richard Mavers, has reportedly experienced rapid growth over the past three years with an offering focused on complex design, development, and software engineering projects.
xDNA Group executive chairman and co-founder, Mark Chambers, concluded: “The combination of xDNA and Climb Online is extremely compelling – creating one of the largest full service digital and software agencies in the UK. We have some exciting expansion plans to continue to develop the group that will add true value to our clients across the globe. It is an exciting time for the team, and I’m looking forward to delivering further growth and success.”
