Services: Green Square

Established in 2001, FRUKT has helped leading brands such as Coca-Cola, Southern Comfort, Diesel and Starwood Hotels build on-going dialogue with consumers through their passion for music and entertainment platforms. FRUKT adds tremendously to Octagon’s comprehensive entertainment marketing services offer and the acquisition will allow FRUKT to fast track its international growth and diversification into broader entertainment sectors. Green Square acted as advisor to the shareholders of FRUKT throughout the process. Anthony Ackenhoff, CEO of FRUKT, commented: “Green Square have been simply brilliant through this entire process. They managed to warn us about what we were about to go through without putting us off, successfully led us through the last few months in such a way that we’d gladly do it again, and also created the best possible deal structure for us, despite having enough issues to surmount that a lesser result could have been justified. You’ll be hard pushed to find a more professional, friendly, funny, diligent and driven bunch of people. In particular, I’d trust Tony with my life – and so trusting him with a business transaction is a no-brainer”

Based in Amersham, Succinct has particular expertise in market access and key opinion leader and advocacy development in the field of prescription medicines. Succinct will become part of Chime’s healthcare division, OPEN Health. The transaction consists an initial consideration of £3.1m comprising £2.6m in cash and 264,338 shares in Chime PLC. A further £7.5m of deferred consideration is payable upon Succinct’s future performance. Green Square acted as advisor to the shareholders of Succinct throughout the process. Sean McGrath, CEO and joint shareholder of Succinct, commented: “Green Square brought an excellent mix of solid transactional expertise, exceptional commercial awareness and extremely personable negotiation skills. Their knowledge of the marketing consultancy industry and deep transactional experience enabled us to complete the transaction in a short timeframe and very much to the satisfaction of all involved.” Tony Walford, Green Square partner, commented: “We are delighted to have been involved with Succinct and in creating value for its owners. As part of OPEN Health we expect the business to not only continue along its strong growth curve, but benefit from the opportunities that being part of a wider group brings.”

Founded in 2005, Steak has 94 employees with offices in London, New York and Melbourne and is widely recognised as a market leader in digital search marketing. Steak will become part of Dentsu Network West. Green Square acted as advisor to the shareholders of Steak throughout the process and the acquisition sees Steak become Dentsu’s digital footprint in Europe giving it the ability to offer Dentsu’s media expertise across Asia to its clients. Ollie Bishop, CEO and majority shareholder of Steak Digital, commented: “Green Square were exceptional. They were wedded to us throughout the entire process and their significant expertise and experience of transactions in our sector ensured they negotiated the best possible outcome for Steak and its shareholders. I couldn’t recommend them highly enough.” Tony Walford, Green Square partner, commented: “We are very pleased to not only have been able to realise significant value for shareholders but also secure a strong future for the business in its representation as the European digital face of one of the largest global marketing groups.”

Your Future has worked closely with Meteorite since 2009 and its acquisition will further augment the offer of both businesses, helping create one of London’s largest independent direct agencies. Green Square was able to provide an external perspective to the process ensuring an equitable transaction structure was reached, and the strong relationship between the parties was maintained. Green Square provided close support to the shareholders of Your Future on all key commercial terms, while also ensuring all strategic options were given proper consideration. Clive Cooper, co-founder and a shareholder of Your Future, commented: “Green Square’s support throughout the process was invaluable. Their depth of knowledge and transaction experience ensured they could guide the negotiations with confidence. This, combined with their focus and attention to detail, allowed us to quickly complete a transaction to the benefit of all.” Tony Walford, a Green Square partner, commented: “We’re consistently seeing examples of complimentary businesses coming together to maximise strategic advantage and this is a perfect example of where it works to best effect. We are very pleased to have been able to formalise the relationship between Your Future and Meteorite in negotiating a transaction which delivers on both parties’ current and future ambitions.” About Your Future Founded in 2004, Your Future is a brand consultancy providing insight to UK SMEs through to global corporations. It employs circa 10 people and is based in central London. Your Future has proven expertise in a range of industry sectors, with particular strength in retail, FMCG, publishing and media. It works with clients to create more certainty and understanding about change and to help build business today. Its deep experience and breadth of skills in innovation, brand strategy and research ensure Your Future keeps its clients one step ahead, be they looking to innovate, reposition their brand or get fresh insight. About Meteorite Meteorite is a leading independent integrated direct marketing agency. Founded in 1998 and based in central London, Meteorite has grown to over 70 staff. Meteorite forges strong client relationships based on partnership and collaboration, retaining as a result a number of clients since inception. Core to delivering great campaigns is Meteorite’s highly motivated and engaged team – in 2010 Meteorite was proud to be voted 6th Best Small Company to Work for in Britain (Sunday Times).

Your Future has worked closely with Meteorite since 2009 and its acquisition will further augment the offer of both businesses, helping create one of London’s largest independent direct agencies. Green Square was able to provide an external perspective to the process ensuring an equitable transaction structure was reached, and the strong relationship between the parties was maintained. Green Square provided close support to the shareholders of Your Future on all key commercial terms, while also ensuring all strategic options were given proper consideration. Clive Cooper, co-founder and a shareholder of Your Future, commented: “Green Square’s support throughout the process was invaluable. Their depth of knowledge and transaction experience ensured they could guide the negotiations with confidence. This, combined with their focus and attention to detail, allowed us to quickly complete a transaction to the benefit of all.” Tony Walford, a Green Square partner, commented: “We’re consistently seeing examples of complimentary businesses coming together to maximise strategic advantage and this is a perfect example of where it works to best effect. We are very pleased to have been able to formalise the relationship between Your Future and Meteorite in negotiating a transaction which delivers on both parties’ current and future ambitions.” About Your Future Founded in 2004, Your Future is a brand consultancy providing insight to UK SMEs through to global corporations. It employs circa 10 people and is based in central London. Your Future has proven expertise in a range of industry sectors, with particular strength in retail, FMCG, publishing and media. It works with clients to create more certainty and understanding about change and to help build business today. Its deep experience and breadth of skills in innovation, brand strategy and research ensure Your Future keeps its clients one step ahead, be they looking to innovate, reposition their brand or get fresh insight. About Meteorite Meteorite is a leading independent integrated direct marketing agency. Founded in 1998 and based in central London, Meteorite has grown to over 70 staff. Meteorite forges strong client relationships based on partnership and collaboration, retaining as a result a number of clients since inception. Core to delivering great campaigns is Meteorite’s highly motivated and engaged team – in 2010 Meteorite was proud to be voted 6th Best Small Company to Work for in Britain (Sunday Times).

Green Square advised Periscope’s shareholders throughout the process, from initial preparation and analysis of the company’s strategic options through to the negotiation of the commercial terms of the transaction.Having completed a thorough review of the development routes available to the business, a majority acquisition by Aspire Global Network was chosen by the shareholders as providing the optimal strategic fit for the future development of Periscope due to the complementary areas of sector focus and the Network’s proven ability to integrate established brands and support international expansion.Kim Crawford, the founder and main shareholder of Periscope, commented: “We are delighted with the way in which Green Square led the transaction. Their experience and specialist knowledge was key to securing the successful conclusion to our search for a strategic partner. Their hands-on approach ensured we were guided swiftly and safely through the complex exercise providing invaluable, focused advice throughout.” David Ainsworth, a Green Square partner, commented: “It was imperative we found a buyer that not only met the aspirations of Periscope’s shareholders, both financially and strategically, but also built upon Periscope’s heritage of professionalism. The fit and chemistry between Periscope and Aspire Global Network was obvious and compelling. In bringing the specialist businesses together under the Network we are very pleased to have assisted in the creation of what is now one of the largest and best-positioned independent recruitment companies in the UK.” About Periscope Established in 1998, Periscope is a leading boutique recruitment consultancy for the creative industry. Priding itself on its positioning as home to stellar talent, Periscope services its clients’ resourcing needs across all levels of seniority and role, be it freelance or permanent. Periscope made it its mission to provide the best quality service it can to clients and candidates alike through exceptional levels of professionalism and a deep knowledge of the creative sector – at all times ensuring the hiring process is as positive and painless as it can be. About Aspire Global Network Aspire Global Network holds a number of leading specialist recruitment companies focused on providing high quality recruitment services to the media and marketing services sector. The Network incorporates PFJ, The Graduate Recruitment Company, RPCushing and Sydney based ICUR. Previously named the PFJ Network the group has recently rebranded to the Aspire Global Network to bring greater clarity to the family of recruitment brands within its portfolio.

Green Square advised Periscope’s shareholders throughout the process, from initial preparation and analysis of the company’s strategic options through to the negotiation of the commercial terms of the transaction.Having completed a thorough review of the development routes available to the business, a majority acquisition by Aspire Global Network was chosen by the shareholders as providing the optimal strategic fit for the future development of Periscope due to the complementary areas of sector focus and the Network’s proven ability to integrate established brands and support international expansion. Kim Crawford, the founder and main shareholder of Periscope, commented: “We are delighted with the way in which Green Square led the transaction. Their experience and specialist knowledge was key to securing the successful conclusion to our search for a strategic partner. Their hands-on approach ensured we were guided swiftly and safely through the complex exercise providing invaluable, focused advice throughout.” David Ainsworth, a Green Square partner, commented: “It was imperative we found a buyer that not only met the aspirations of Periscope’s shareholders, both financially and strategically, but also built upon Periscope’s heritage of professionalism. The fit and chemistry between Periscope and Aspire Global Network was obvious and compelling. In bringing the specialist businesses together under the Network we are very pleased to have assisted in the creation of what is now one of the largest and best-positioned independent recruitment companies in the UK.” About Periscope Established in 1998, Periscope is a leading boutique recruitment consultancy for the creative industry. Priding itself on its positioning as home to stellar talent, Periscope services its clients’ resourcing needs across all levels of seniority and role, be it freelance or permanent. Periscope made it its mission to provide the best quality service it can to clients and candidates alike through exceptional levels of professionalism and a deep knowledge of the creative sector – at all times ensuring the hiring process is as positive and painless as it can be. About Aspire Global Network Aspire Global Network holds a number of leading specialist recruitment companies focused on providing high quality recruitment services to the media and marketing services sector. The Network incorporates PFJ, The Graduate Recruitment Company, RPCushing and Sydney based ICUR. Previously named the PFJ Network the group has recently rebranded to the Aspire Global Network to bring greater clarity to the family of recruitment brands within its portfolio.

Green Square advised the SPA shareholders throughout the comprehensive sale process, from preparation of the initial marketing materials and identification of a wide range of both UK and international acquirers through to the negotiation of the commercial terms of the transaction. The partners also provided additional financial management support to the company during the due diligence process, utilising their own experience as CFOs within similar agencies. Having held discussions with a number of interested parties, the merger with Future Thinking, backed by Next Wave Partners, was chosen by the shareholders as providing the optimal strategic fit for the future development of SPA with the combination making the most of their complementary areas of sector focus and expertise Jon Priest, the co-founder and a shareholder of SPA, commented:  We are delighted with the way in which Green Square led the process. Their detailed knowledge and experience was key to securing the successful conclusion to our search for a strategic partner. They guided us safely and professionally through the complex exercise providing invaluable, focused advice throughout. Tony Walford, a Green Square partner, commented: Whilst we identified a number of potential acquirers, it was of utmost importance that we found a buyer that could meet the aspirations of the different shareholders, both financially and strategically. This was a complex transaction, but the fit and chemistry between SPA and Future Thinking was obvious and compelling. In bringing the businesses together under Next Wave, we are very pleased to have assisted in the creation of what is now one of the largest and best-positioned independent market research companies in the UK.

Green Square advised the SPA shareholders throughout the comprehensive sale process, from preparation of the initial marketing materials and identification of a wide range of both UK and international acquirers through to the negotiation of the commercial terms of the transaction. The partners also provided additional financial management support to the company during the due diligence process, utilising their own experience as CFOs within similar agencies. Having held discussions with a number of interested parties, the merger with Future Thinking, backed by Next Wave Partners, was chosen by the shareholders as providing the optimal strategic fit for the future development of SPA with the combination making the most of their complementary areas of sector focus and expertise Jon Priest, the co-founder and a shareholder of SPA, commented:  We are delighted with the way in which Green Square led the process. Their detailed knowledge and experience was key to securing the successful conclusion to our search for a strategic partner. They guided us safely and professionally through the complex exercise providing invaluable, focused advice throughout. Tony Walford, a Green Square partner, commented: Whilst we identified a number of potential acquirers, it was of utmost importance that we found a buyer that could meet the aspirations of the different shareholders, both financially and strategically. This was a complex transaction, but the fit and chemistry between SPA and Future Thinking was obvious and compelling. In bringing the businesses together under Next Wave, we are very pleased to have assisted in the creation of what is now one of the largest and best-positioned independent market research companies in the UK.