Rockworth has advised the shareholders of N2O, supporting the company’s successful acquisition by Globe Groupe, a French marketing group backed by Andera Partners.
Founded in 1999 by Terrence Woodward and Clare James, N2O is one of the UK’s leading independent brand experience agencies. The company works with consumer brands to design and execute highly creative marketing campaigns, putting physical products directly into the consumer’s hands. Their work includes promotion of products in retail settings, as well as full scale brand experience campaigns in out-of-home settings such as music festivals.
N2O works with most of the best-known consumer brand owners operating in the UK market, including the likes of Coca-Cola, Tesco, Unilever, Mondelez, P&G and Reckitt Benckiser.
Based in Paris, Globe Groupe was founded by Jeremy Dahan in 2002 to bring US-style shopper marketing to the European market. The company has grown both organically and through acquisitions to achieve sales of more than €100m, with a presence in a dozen cities across France, Germany, Switzerland, Spain and Portugal. It services include shopper marketing, brand activation, merchandising and production logistics.
N2O will operate as a standalone UK business, continuing to serve its existing client base. The acquisition will bring opportunities to accelerate growth, through the delivery of pan-European projects for N2O’s and Globe’s multinational clients.
Terrence Woodward, N2O’s co-founder and chief executive, said: “By joining forces with Globe Groupe, we’re able to take our vision to new heights, offering even more value to our clients and exploring untapped opportunities. This acquisition allows us to accelerate our growth, while staying true to our creative heritage and innovative approach that has always defined us.”
Commenting on Rockworth’s involvement, Terrence said, “From the moment they first introduced Globe Groupe to us, it was clear that Rockworth understood the market we operate in. Whilst a transaction was not on our radar, the tremendous strategic fit with Globe Group was a compelling proposition. Lawrence and his team led us all the way through the process, allowing me and my team to remain focussed on the day-to-day business. Quite simply, Rockworth were invaluable, and we would not have achieved such a successful outcome without them. Both the shareholders and the wider team at N2O are excited about the new opportunities now coming our way, as part of a larger pan-European group.”