Glasgow-based digital marketing agency Equator has acquired a controlling interest in Glasgow and London brand agency 999 Design Group as part of a “major growth strategy.”

999 Design has worked with brands including The Financial Times, Highland Spring, BBC, Victoria Beckham, BT, Reebok and Orange.

“This is an exciting milestone in the evolution of the Equator Group,” said Equator managing director John McLeish.

“The (999) team’s design and creative expertise will further strengthen our own integrated approach to working with national and international brands and we are hugely excited by the opportunities we can create together.”

Equator is on track to increase revenues to more than £15 million in the current financial year.

Equator employs 140 staff at its Glasgow headquarters and has a business development base in New York. The acquisition of 999 Design boosts its office footprint to include premises in Shoreditch, London.

Bill Gaughan, director of 999 Design, said: “We have admired Equator and its impressive growth for many years.

“With its strength in digital and our own brand expertise, we believe we can capitalise on many new and existing opportunities together.

“This is an exciting time for both businesses and we look forward to working with John and the team for years to come.”

999 Design was established in 1982 and has around 25 staff. It will continue to operate with founders Bill Gaughan and Richard Bissland remaining in the business.

999 will be part of the Equator Group’s expanding portfolio of marketing businesses which also includes Equator PR and Equator Events.