The larger networks and agencies rely on M&A to accelerate their growth and bring the latest thinking to their more established operations. In turn entrepreneurial owners very often seek the umbrella of a larger organisation to enable geographic expansion and the bundling of capabilities to better serve clients, potentially also allowing a return to the work they are passionate about and provide assistance with the business of running a company. More recently we have seen a significant shift towards acquisitions being dominated by professional services firms.
If there is a common thread amongst the hundreds of prospective acquirers we talk to, it is the desire to acquire businesses that can help build a genuine dialogue with customers and therefore create strength and longevity in their relationships. As a result we are seeing a particular appetite in areas that create original content, like PR, and all varieties of data processing / creation capabilities.
Our experience as marketing services corporate finance advisors includes working with companies in brand design (Core Blimey), market research, PR (Pinnacle Communications), digital marketing (Jacaranda), events/experiential and retail design.