QMS Media has announced the strategic acquisition of a majority stake holding in third-party digital representation agency Digital Commons.

This acquisition broadens QMS’ digital media channel and brings to life our continued strategic focus on connecting audiences through multiple touchpoints and customised content.  

Operating in both New Zealand and Australia, Digital Commons specialises in online and mobile media, represnting publishers and possessing a network of trade desk relationships. 

QMS said in a statement that the acquisition broadens its digital media channel, and reinforces its continued strategic focus on connecting audiences through multiple touchpoints and customised content. 

Digital Commons will also act as QMS’ primary sales channel partner for automated products, having been instrumental in the development of its new digital transaction platform. 

Wayne Chapman, chief executive of QMS for New Zealand, said: “Managing partners Lisa Ison and Johanna Cotter have impressed QMS with their market reputation, digital expertise and rapid growth since launching the company less than two years ago. 

“During the process of working with them, it became clear that our two businesses had a lot to offer each other. 

“Digital Commons is on a journey which QMS is well-placed to support and we believe that there is significant opportunity and value to be created at the nexus of DOOH, online and mobile, which Digital Commons will help us unlock.” 

QMS group CEO Barclay Nettlefold said: “This is an exciting move for QMS. This acquisition supports our over-arching strategy of connecting audiences through multi-platform engagement and customised content. 

“Digital Commons allows the group to expand into highly relevant, adjacent territories with confidence, whilst also providing specialised expertise and experience to increase our overall capability bandwidth.” 

Digital Commons managing partners Lisa Ison and Johanna Cotter said: “We are both excited with the partnership we have forged with QMS. 

“Having worked with the QMS team over the past 18 months, bringing the digital transaction platform for out-of-home to fruition, we have witnessed a progressive and agile company aligned with our own values. 

“With a similar vision of innovation and service, we feel it is a great fit to accelerate the next stage of our business, to move on from being a start-up to one focused on our publishers and core business.”