Hakuhodo’s AdGlobal360 acquires majority stake in Auburn Digital Solutions

MUMBAI: Hakuhodo is doubling down on digital. The Japanese marketing and innovation company has strengthened its presence in India by acquiring a majority stake in Mumbai-based independent digital agency Auburn Digital Solutions through its wholly owned subsidiary AdGlobal360.

Announced on Friday, the acquisition marks a significant step in Hakuhodo’s global digital expansion strategy and is aimed at enhancing its ability to deliver technology-enabled, data-driven marketing solutions across India and other high-growth international markets.

Founded in 2013, Auburn Digital Solutions has established itself as one of India’s leading independent digital marketing agencies, offering integrated services spanning performance marketing, digital media operations, search engine optimisation (SEO), social media marketing, creative production and technology solutions.

The deal comes at a time when India’s digital economy continues to expand rapidly, fuelled by growing technology adoption, changing consumer behaviour and increasing investment in digital transformation. Hakuhodo believes the partnership will strengthen its ability to meet these evolving market demands while broadening its regional reach.

Auburn currently serves clients across India, the United Arab Emirates and Singapore. By combining Hakuhodo’s global marketing expertise, rooted in its Sei-katsu-sha Centric Mindset, with AdGlobal360’s digital transformation capabilities and Auburn’s regional execution strength, the group aims to offer clients a more comprehensive suite of services, ranging from data-driven marketing to technology-led business solutions.

Speaking on the development, Auburn Digital Solutions managing director Ashish K Tripathi said, “Joining the Hakuhodo Group marks a defining milestone in Auburn’s journey. Hakuhodo’s global legacy, deep understanding of sei-katsu-sha, and commitment to innovation provide an exceptional foundation for our next phase of growth.”

Highlighting the growing role of automation and artificial intelligence, Auburn Digital Solutions chief executive officer Harsh S Kedia said digital transformation would play a critical role in the company’s future growth plans. He added that the partnership would help the organisation address rising market demand as businesses increasingly embrace AI-driven transformation.

Welcoming Auburn to the group, Hakuhodo director and senior corporate officer, and Hakuhodo International president Akihiko Imai said Auburn’s strong digital capabilities and deep understanding of evolving sei-katsu-sha behaviour align closely with Hakuhodo’s vision of becoming a Sei-katsu-sha Value Design Company. He added that integrating technology with consumer-centric insights would enable the group to create greater value for clients while driving business growth.

The acquisition further strengthens Hakuhodo’s ambitions in one of the world’s fastest-growing digital markets, while giving Auburn access to global expertise, technology resources and a broader international network. As brands increasingly seek integrated, AI-enabled marketing solutions, the partnership positions both companies to compete more aggressively across India and neighbouring high-growth markets.