TBWA\Norway Expands Operations with Acquisition of Scandinavian Design Group (SDG)

Oslo, Norway – July 4, 2023 – TBWA\Norway, a leading advertising agency, is thrilled to announce the acquisition of Scandinavian Design Group (SDG), a trailblazing agency renowned for its strategic design expertise. This strategic move creates a powerful synergy that will revolutionize client service offerings.

With a rich history dating back to 1987, SDG has been at the forefront of strategic design, paving the way for commercial graphic design in its nascent stage. Over the course of 36 years, SDG has developed powerful tools to help brands forge deep connections with their audiences and enable ambitious leaders to achieve their business goals. SDG’s multidisciplinary approach has successfully guided clients through various transitions, from domestic internationals to small niche brands.

TBWA\Norway is an affiliation partner with the TBWA Nordic Collective. Renowned as a global powerhouse in the advertising industry, TBWA has consistently driven innovative and disruptive advertising strategies, cementing its reputation worldwide (a part of Omnicom Group, OMC).

The union of SDG and TBWA aims to capitalize on their individual strengths, delivering comprehensive design and advertising solutions to clients. By merging the creative force of both agencies, the joint entity will boast a group of talented individuals working together to provide unparalleled services. Moreover, the digital prowess of TBWA’s Nordic collective, The Engine Nordic, comprising 300 professionals, will introduce a fresh and technologically advanced dimension to the agency’s service portfolio.

Nicolay Jernberg, COO of TBWA Norway, expressed his excitement about the acquisition, stating, “This represents a defining moment in our journey. Combining TBWA’s disruptive advertising with SDG’s pioneering design approach positions us to set new industry benchmarks.”

Valgeir Magnusson, CEO of TBWA\Norway, added, “This investment marks the convergence of two storied histories. We firmly believe that SDG’s unparalleled design expertise, complemented by TBWA’s globally recognized advertising capacity and The Engine Nordic’s digital competence, will result in unmatched service for our clients. We aim to build upon SDG’s rich Scandinavian heritage and seamlessly blend it with TBWA’s global legacy.”

Nick Bilmes, Strategy Director at SDG, emphasized the invigorating potential of this merger, stating, “The coming together of SDG and TBWA generates a powerful synergy that is both inspiring and motivating. By leveraging the rich history of our organizations, SDG’s robust approach to branding and design, TBWA’s exceptional communication creativity, and The Engine Nordic’s innovative digital know-how, we are poised for an exciting future.”

Silje M. Storhaug, Managing Director of SDG, expressed her enthusiasm for the merger, saying, “We are thrilled about the merger between SDG and TBWA. Together, we see abundant opportunities to provide enhanced services and deliver even greater value to our clients. This collaboration will undoubtedly make a significant difference for our domestic and international clients.”

As a joint agency of SDG and TBWA, the company firmly believes in the positive impact of design and creativity on brands and businesses globally. Over the years, they have proudly served an extensive range of clients, including HEAD, RevOcean, Vipps, Innovasjon Norge, Sparebank1, Nestlé, Zaptec, Schibsted, Aneo, Norwegian Property, Norges Bank, Norsk Helsenett, Amerikalinjen, Entur, Provocativo, Dominos, The Viking Planet, Oscar Sylte, Grans, and Aass, among others.

Nicolay Jernberg concluded, “Our unwavering commitment to inspiring transformation through design and creativity is evident. This investment marks the beginning of an exciting era of disruption as we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible.”

For the last seven years, SDG has been under the ownership of I&F Holding AB. After yearlong negotiations, I&F Holding AB, which will be concentrating on the core of its business in other Nordic markets, considers that the takeover of SDG by TBWA\Norway is the best decision for its further development.

The picture shows Valgeir Magnússon, Silje M. Storhaug and Nicolay Jernberg.

Media Contact:
Valgeir Magnusson
CEO
valgeir@tbwanorway.no
+47 913 75 070

About TBWA\Norway: TBWA\Norway is a prominent advertising agency within the TBWA\Nordic network, which comprises agencies from Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Iceland. With a focus on innovative and disruptive advertising strategies, TBWA has established itself as a global powerhouse in the industry.

About Scandinavian Design Group (SDG): Scandinavian Design Group is a pioneering agency with a rich history from 1987. Their expertise in strategic design has empowered brands to forge strong connections with their audiences and has supported ambitious leaders in achieving their business objectives. SDG’s multidisciplinary approach has successfully guided clients through various transitions.