Durrant Pate/ Contributor

One Great Studio Company Limited (1GS), a leading Caribbean digital agency domiciled in Jamaica has acquired DRT Communications Limited, a renowned local public relations, strategic communications, and media intelligence firm.

The acquisition—valued at a total consideration of $115 million, including a $35 million performance-based earnout over three years—was announced Tuesday afternoon in a press release. The strategic acquisition will see all DRT employees transitioning to 1GS, ensuring continuity of service while leveraging new resources and technology-driven innovations to deliver even greater value to clients.

The acquisition aligns with 1GS’s strategic vision to become the Caribbean’s most dominant and globally competitive agency brand.

With Ryan Strachan, CEO of Sweat Equity Holdings, as the lead arranger of the transaction, the acquisition strengthens 1GS’s market presence across the Caribbean, positioning it as a full-service agency with expertise in digital marketing, public relations, and media monitoring. With this expansion, the Jamaican junior market listed 1GS integrates DRT’s distinguished corporate and public sector clientele, reinforcing its revenue base and service offerings.

Strategic investment in the future 

CEO of 1GS, Djuvane Browne explains: “The acquisition of DRT Communications represents a strategic investment in our future, enabling us to broaden our capabilities and deliver greater value to our clients and shareholders. By bringing DRT Communications into our ecosystem, we are now positioned to offer a full suite of solutions that blend technology, creative storytelling, and real-time media intelligence along with tremendous opportunities that our teams’ combined expertise will bring.” 

Brown emphasizes, “at 1Gs the One Great Studio, our goal has always been to innovate and lead in digital marketing and brand development.” Founded in 2008, DRT has built a reputation for developing marketing communications strategies for over 100 brands. 

DRT pioneered regional startup success and has since been a leader in strategic communications, offering high-calibre public relations and crisis management services to top-tier Caribbean businesses, multinational corporations, and government agencies. Through media analytics, DRT has leveraged real-time consumer behaviour insights to tailor impactful communication strategies. 

Defining moment for both companies

DRT’s Founder and CEO, Danielle Terrelonge, says: “This acquisition represents a defining moment for both companies. DRT Communications has built an incredible legacy of excellence in strategic communications, and joining forces with 1GS allows us, as a merged business, to expand our impact locally and across the Caribbean with digital technology solutions and expertise in strategic and digital communications. By leveraging our combined strengths, we are setting the stage for a new era of innovation and excellence”

Terrelonge will continue in a leadership role as Head of Marketing Communications, PR, Strategic Communications, and Media Monitoring at 1GS, ensuring a smooth transition while maintaining the expertise and service quality that DRT clients expect. Djuvane Browne will remain CEO of 1GS.

1GS latest financials

1GS reported revenues of J$261.5 million and net profits of J$30.6 million for the 9-month ending September 30, 2024 with total assets of $655 million, cash and short-term investments totalling $245 million and only $52 million of total liabilities.