Manchester, UK, April 2025: Dark Matter Commerce, the Manchester-based digital commerce transformation collective, today announces the acquisition of lauded performance marketing agency This Is Digital.
The acquisition marks another strategic step for Dark Matter Commerce, which previously acquired Brave the Skies and Bring Digital following an investment from Foresight Group in 2021.
Headquartered in Manchester, This Is Digital has built a strong reputation for delivering integrated performance strategies for household brands. Its deep expertise in digital performance and commercial strategy complements the strengths of Dark Matter Commerce’s existing portfolio of agencies, enhancing the group’s ability to deliver outstanding marketing solutions for its clients.
Together, Dark Matter Commerce’s enhanced portfolio of agencies will deliver market-leading services across the full spectrum of digital commerce.
The combined group's top clients now include Cotton Traders, Richer Sounds, Jessops, Formula 1, American Golf, Footasylum and Optegra.
The acquisition, supported with additional investment from existing investor Foresight Group, will bring the group’s headcount to approximately 180 and combined revenues to £16m.
Jon Woodall, CEO of Dark Matter Commerce, said:
“We’re incredibly excited to welcome This Is Digital to Dark Matter Commerce. Andy and his team have built an impressive agency with a sharp focus on performance, culture, and innovation. We believe that This is Digital and Dark Matter Commerce have a shared vision to create something remarkable in the North West and beyond. Together, we can embody the spirit of ‘stay local, go further’, driving impact with our shared roots while extending our reach.
Andy Mitchell, Founder and CEO of This Is Digital, commented:
“Joining Dark Matter Commerce feels like the natural next chapter for us. We’ve always set out to challenge the norms in agency thinking and partner closely with ambitious brands. In Jon and the team, we’ve found a group that shares our values and our commitment to making a real impact. We’re looking forward to what we can build together.”
The acquisition was completed on 4th April 2025.
Advisers to Dark Matter Commerce included Cowgills Corporate Finance (Sam Davies, Brett Marsden, Ed Higham), Cowgills Transaction Services (Andrew Nelson), Cowgills Tax (Georges Daubney), Harrison Drury (Mark Traynor, Jennifer Murphy, Richer Williams-Bulkeley), Hybrid Legal (Jonathan Craig), Cactus (Mark Sainthill), Santander (Phil Mason, David Hitchmough), Rob Fawke (Gunner Cooke), and Hannah Eames (Dark Matter Commerce).
Financial terms have not been disclosed.
