Tony Walford was delighted to present the latest in a series of Green Square and Drum Network webinars, exploring how agencies can unlock the true value of their business. Tony examined how to maximise the value of your agency, and the steps you can take to make your business attractive to acquirers. When the time comes to sell, you need to ensure you realise the full potential of your life’s work. Expoloring the the key drivers that ensure optimum value is achieved and considering how international and market trends influence value, including the impact of the UK’s recent Brexit vote. Become relevant, effective, wanted and thriving; it’s time to stop gazing and recognise your achievements. If you would like to learn more about this event or for an invitation to the next one please email Debbie Hyde.
Sectors: Corporate
Green Square at The Drum Business Jam: The Art of Agency Leadership October 2016
Barry Dudley was delighted to appear as a panelist for The Drum Network Business Jam focusing on the art of agency leadership in London on 25th October. Discussion centereed around what does a great agency leader look, act and sound like, how should they recognise and pursue opportunities that are good for their staff and their business, and what skills and qualities must they display. This alongside review of what is the expected way to face and react to business setbacks, made for lively and informed debate.
The afternoon explored the qualites common to inspired leaders. They might run the largest and best known agency group, but should all ambitious agency owners lead like WPP’s Sir Martin Sorrell? Some may feel that his leadership is the antithesis of being a great leader. Leadership is a broad church and what works for one will not work for the other. We focused on business leadership in its broadest form, hearing from recognised leadership experts and those who are at the coal face leading growing agencies in today’s economy. A fantastic turnout of influential agency guests ensured the afternoon was a great success.
Green Square speaking in Amsterdam for The Drum Network on Creating The Ultimate Value Agency October 2016
Tony Walford, Partner at Green Square, was delighted to speak on 12th October in Amsterdam for The Drum Network on creating maximum value for your agency and trends in M&A post Brexit. Hosted at the lovely Hoxton Hotel, a guest list of leading Amsterdam agency talent made certain the evening was thought provoking and vibrant. Promising trends post Brexit show that its very much business as usual in M&A. Amsterdam is a hothouse of talent in the English speaking creative market – primed and perfect for growth. Green Square’s philosophy that for relevant, cutting-edge agencies the ‘time is always now’ and great businesses will thrive and ultimately sell is demonstrated by current market trends.
Tony shared insights into the key drivers creating value in quality agencies and then opened the floor to lively debate over drinks and food. The last guests left at 11pm, indicating a good time was had by all.
Green Square advises 4Ps Marketing on its sale to NetBooster Group
Green Square is delighted to have advised award winning, independent search marketing agency 4Ps Marketing on its acquisition by NetBooster. NetBooster, a highly respected Paris listed digital performance marketing agency, strengthens its search marketing capability and position as global market leader by acquiring 4Ps’ insight led and results driven entrepreneurial expertise.
Over the past 12 months, thorough post-acquisition integration planning between the two parties, led by corporate finance advisors Green Square, has played a huge role in the success and optimisation of the deal. Integration of the management team and structure going forward was key to the success of the acquisition for both people-focused organisations. The importance of the development and cohesion of the team, as well as client service, are core values that both companies share. Matt Phelan Co-founder 4Ps comments: “I would like to personally thank the Green Square team for helping us find the perfect partner for this transaction. Our first meeting with Green Square was back in 2011 when we put together a 5 year growth plan based around our mission of striving for personal (each person at 4Ps), client & agency growth. Having managed to deliver that growth plan early thanks to the amazing team at 4Ps Marketing, it became very apparent that our staff and clients wanted to continue our growth internationally. It was Green Square’s knowledge and ability to work cross-border that helped push the deal through during a rather uncertain economic climate.” “We wanted to find a partner with a global footprint that fitted our culture but still had an independent ethos that means so much to our clients and staff. Having met the NetBooster senior team, we immediately felt we had found a group of entrepreneurs with a vision to disrupt the agency space. I am now very excited to meet all our new colleagues and clients for the next step on our journey.” Chris Hyland, Co-Founder, 4Ps adds: “I would like to thank the fantastic team at Green Square for the excellent work and support in getting to this stage. It goes without saying that the knowledge and nous of working with Andrew, Tony and the rest of the team is a given, but their experience in these types of transactions and how it can work in the long term for everyone’s benefit is clearly also crucial.” Andrew Moss, Partner Green Square said: “It was an absolute pleasure to work with Chris, Matt, Paul and the team at 4Ps. It is rare to come across such a well-developed business that has maintained its strong entrepreneurial culture. It was the latter that very much attracted NetBooster, itself led by entrepreneurs. A meeting of minds and strategy completed the match that will make a real difference to their client’s businesses. We look forward to seeing the continued success of both parties during the next stage of their journey.” Read more
Green Square’s Summer Event – Ultimate value and how to thrive in the current market
With a guest list compiled of leading entrepreneurs within marcoms, media and tech, and Australasia’s PR and Communications guru Chris Savage having flown in from down under, we knew the Green Square Summer Event was going to be a hit.
We were not wrong. Hosted at The Ivy Club, we are proud that the seminar was a reflection of all that Green Square stands for: personable and unique, with unrivalled expertise and understanding of the market.
The morning kicked off with Green Square partner Tony Walford sharing thought-provoking market insight in the lead up to Brexit. Tony’s outlook was positive, he assured that uncertainty and digital disruption works favourably within the M&A environment. With London being the top spot for tech investment in Europe, and second in the world only to San Francisco, he believes that there will always be demand for quality agencies, regardless of macroeconomic factors. Tony spoke about the “social media explosion” and the need for brands to be increasingly agile and receptive to change to ensure they stay at the top of their game.
Green Square was honoured to welcome our guest speaker Chris Savage, former COO of STW, the largest listed marketing communications group in the Southern Hemisphere. The energy in the room was fantastic as Chris led an engaging workshop on “staying at the edge” and maximising business potential during this time of great change. In light of the looming Brexit decision, Chris’s advice “conditions are always perfect” seemed more relevant than ever. Chris believes that this attitude encourages decision-making and acting in line with the current market, which is the key to success. This ties in with Green Square’s philosophy that for relevant, cutting-edge agencies the ‘time is always now’ and these businesses will always thrive and ultimately sell.
The event closed with a networking breakfast. This was a great opportunity for our guests to share thoughts and get to know one another in a relaxed environment. We are delighted to have had such warm and positive responses from our guests and flattered that many said it was the most thought provoking and energising event they had been to in a long time. Green Square looks forward to hosting its next market-leading event in Spring 2017, where expertise meets creativity and leadership.
Technology business
Pharmacy business
EVR Holdings Plc
Baskerville Capital Plc
Green Square advises Orange Bus on its sale to Capita plc
Green Square is delighted to have advised Orange Bus, the leading Newcastle-based digital solutions agency on its sale to Capita plc. The acquisition will enhance Capita’s existing digital development capability and strengthen its ability to deliver complex client projects. Read More