An international media group founded just three months ago has made its third acquisition.
Auspicious Holdings was launched in October 2024 by exited entrepreneurs Rachel Pendered, Mark Killick and Barnaby Cook, and intends to be a major player in the creative services sector.
Pendered and Killick built the Media Zoo group into a Sunday Times Fast Track 100 company before selling a large stake to private equity, while Cook grew Casual Films from an office in London into a global business with bases in the US and Australia before exiting.
Following deals late last year for UK video production agency Studio Yes and US film company Blue Chalk Media – which saw it immediately gain over 40 staff and revenues in excess of £5.5 million – it has now acquired DBLX, a digital custom content and platform business led by CEO and co-founder Nicky Hoyland.
Auspicious Holdings – which also launched Auspicious Global, a communications agency, last year – is targeting growth in the learning & HR market with the latest move.
DBLX partners with global enterprises to transform their people experiences through three core offerings: immersive digital content, custom platform development, and strategic consulting.
It specialises in creating innovative solutions for learning, culture change, leadership development, and internal communications that drive meaningful engagement and lasting impact.
The company counts global brands like Santander, St James’s Place, Subsea 7 and Centrica as clients.
Hoyland joins Auspicious in a group role as global chief innovation officer while retaining responsibility for the growth of DBLX.
Rob Ashcroft has joined Auspicious as chief learning officer, where he will help DBLX build out its learning consultancy, transformation and employee experience offer.
Ashcroft recently left Santander UK where he spent more than 17 years in learning management roles, most recently as head of capability, covering learning & resourcing.
“The announcement is a giant leap forward for Auspicious; the acquisition of DBLX and its powerhouse CEO, as well as welcoming a learning legend in Rob, underscores our intent in the learning space,” said Pendered.
“Rob and Nicky are industry titans who have worked with and for major brands on complex briefs; I can’t think of two better people to lead our charge.”
Hoyland said: “Joining Auspicious is a fantastic step for DBLX. Our strength lies in combining custom creative content and technology to deliver engaging experiences that truly resonate with employees.
“By bringing this together with Auspicious’ global creative capabilities and Rob’s deep learning expertise, we’re uniquely positioned to help organisations transform how they develop and engage their people.”
Ashcroft commented: “Joining Auspicious Group as Chief Learning Officer at this pivotal moment is incredibly exciting!
“By bringing together DBLX’s digital expertise with Auspicious’ creative excellence, we’re uniquely positioned to support organisations and transform people experiences.”