Citizens has acquired Online Department, a Rotterdam-based digital design agency, for an undisclosed amount. This corporate acquisition sees Citizens taking ownership of a firm specialized in service design, product design, and UX design. Online Department's core offering involves its UX researchers and product designers working on-site with clients to develop successful digital products, websites, and software applications.
Beyond direct project work, Online Department also provides training programs. These initiatives are designed to elevate the UX maturity level within client organizations, targeting executives, product teams, and UX designers. The agency serves a diverse portfolio of clients across several key sectors, including Retail and e-commerce (such as Kamera Express and ANWB), Energy & Sustainability (including EnergyZero, ANWB Energie, Stedin, and Infradock), Healthcare & ICT (like Intramed and diabetes.nl), the Public sector (such as Gemeente Rotterdam and Gemeente Arnhem), and Financial services (including NN Group).
This strategic purchase by Citizens is expected to significantly enhance its own digital capabilities and service offerings. The integration of Online Department's specialized expertise in user experience and product development will allow Citizens to offer more comprehensive, end-to-end digital solutions to its clientele. Synergies are anticipated through the combination of Citizens’ existing operational strengths with Online Department’s deep design proficiency and established client relationships across multiple industries.
The acquisition underscores a clear intent to strengthen Citizens' position in the evolving digital landscape. The combined entity is poised to deliver a broader range of high-value digital transformation services, leveraging Online Department’s proven track record and multidisciplinary design talent to meet growing market demand for sophisticated digital experiences and products.