• by Steve McClellan  @mp_mcclellan, December 16, 2016

As it strives to grow sharply in India over the next year, Dentsu Aegis Network has acquired user experience firm Fractal Ink Design Studio. Terms weren’t disclosed, but the Indian trade publication LiveMint reported the price to be little over $45 million.

Confirming the transaction, Dentsu stated it has ambitious expansion plans in India next year.

“Going forward, the Dentsu Group will accelerate its growth strategy in India with the aim of becoming the second-largest agency group in that country by the end of 2017.”

The strategy is designed to capture a larger share of the market, which is growing at a double-digit pace. In its September ad spending forecast, Carat, also part of Dentsu Aegis, reported that the India market will grow 12% this year and nearly 14% in 2017.

Following the acquisition, Fractal, considered one of the leading UX shops in India, will join the Isobar network and be rebranded as "Fractal Ink Design Studio - Linked by Isobar."

In addition to Isobar, other Dentsu units providing digital services in the country include iProspect, WATConsult and Dentsu Webchutney. The addition of Fractal will expand operations to 1,000 digital staffers.

Dentsu is also expanding its traditional advertising holdings in the country. In October creative shop mcgarrybowen agreed to acquire Bangalore, India, ad agency Happy Creative Services. That agency is being rebranded Happy mcgarrybowen.