Manchester agency Digital Next has confirmed the sale of its Australian division to Maaya Capital Pty Ltd, in a “multi-million-dollar transaction”.
Digital Next Australia was established in 2014 as part of Digital Next’s international expansion from the UK. The Australian business was built over the following decade by Nathan Elly, Chris Tipper and Steven Lord, with the support of the Digital Next UK management team, helping to establish, run and grow the agency in the Australian market.
From humble beginnings, the Australian division went on to secure and service leading Australian brands including Qantas, global companies such as Adobe, and many more household name brands and businesses.
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Over the past 10 years, Digital Next Australia has supported clients across SEO, paid media, web development, content and wider digital growth services.
As part of the wider transition, Digital Next UK has retained ownership and control of the Digital Next brand and trademark rights. The Australian division will now continue under separate ownership, with any use and transition of the brand and trademark rights managed in accordance with the licensing agreement.
Justin Blackhurst, founder and CEO of Digital Next (pictured), said: “This marks an important moment in the Digital Next story. We launched the Australian division in 2014 as part of our international growth plans, and a lot of work went into building that business over the last decade.
“Nathan Elly, Chris Tipper, Steven Lord and our UK management team all played important roles in helping establish and grow the Australian operation, and this transaction reflects the value created during that period.
“For Digital Next UK, this allows us to focus fully on our own next chapter, particularly the major opportunity we see around AI search in the UK market, alongside our continued work across SEO, PPC, web development, performance marketing and AI-led service delivery.”
The Australian business will now move forward under Maaya Capital Pty Ltd ownership, separate from Digital Next UK.
Durga Karra, managing director of Digital Next Australia, added: “It has been a pleasure to complete this transaction with Justin and the team at Digital Next, and to begin the next chapter for the business.
“When you look back at the humble beginnings of Digital Next Australia, it’s incredible to see what has been achieved over the last decade. The business has grown into a respected name within the Australian digital marketing industry, supporting major brands and delivering outstanding work across SEO, paid media, web development and digital growth.
“I’m incredibly proud of the team who have helped build that journey and excited about the opportunities ahead under the new ownership structure.”
