Green Square Archives

Your Future advised by Green Square on its sale to Meteorite

We’re pleased to announce the sale of a majority stake in strategic brand consultancy Your Future to integrated direct response agency Meteorite. Green Square acted as advisor to the shareholders of Your Future throughout the process.

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 advises Your Future on its sale to Meteorite (Interpublic)

Green Square advises Margaret Street on its sale to Golley Slater

We are pleased to announce the sale of Integrated PR agency Margaret Street to Golley Slater.

Green Square advises Periscope on its sale to Aspire Global Network

Green Square is delighted to announce the sale of leading creative services recruitment agency Periscope to Aspire Global Network. The agency will sit alongside the Network’s existing specialist recruitment brands which includes PFJ and RPCushing. The acquisition will bring Aspire Global Network’s headcount to 84, with turnover of over £12m and gross profit of £9m.

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 advises Periscope on its sale to Aspire Global Network

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 advises SPA on its sale to Next Wave Partners

Green Square is delighted to announce the sale of leading market research agency SPA to the investment portfolio of private equity firm Next Wave Partners. The agency will be merged with existing portfolio company Future Thinking, formerly known as The Oxford Research Agency (TORA). The newly formed agency, which will be led by SPA’s Jon Priest as Group CEO, will boast £13m+ turnover and an international network of offices in London, Paris, New York and Oxford. It will rank as one of the UK’s top market research agencies with a headcount of over 100.

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 advises SPA on private equity merger with Future Thinking

Green Square advises Metals Insider on its sale to Thomson Reuters

We’re pleased to announce the sale of online publishing, content and community agency Metals Insider, to Thomson Reuters. Daily news digest Metals Insider was founded in 2003 to cover the metal commodity markets and publishes online editorial comment and news to its 5,500 subscribers daily. It has been acquired by Thomson Reuters to spearhead their development and social media communications within the metals industry. Following the acquisition, Thomson Reuters were delighted to launch a web-based, interactive community that brings comprehensive information, research, analysis and professional networking tools to the global base metals marketplace. Thomson Reuters Metals Insider is aimed at equipping the metals marketplace with the tools to gather in-depth information and collaborate with industry peers. Thomson Reuters Metals Insider was launched at LME Week, an important fixture in the global metals industry calendar. The London Metal Exchange, which represents the vast majority of all non-ferrous base metals trading, achieved $9,500 billion in monetary terms in 2007. Metals Insider complements Thomson Reuters professional base metals subscription services, Reuters 3000 Xtra and Reuters Trader for Commodity, which offer even deeper news, market coverage and analytical capabilities. Green Square acted as advisors to Metals Insider throughout the process. James van Bregt, owner and partner, Metals insider commented: The deal will enhance the group’s digital capability globally and was part of an aggressive acquisition strategy. Green Square were superb in not only negotiating the value of the deal, but managing all the intricacies that form a substantial part of it. Mitchel Ingham-Barrow, Global Head of Metals and Minerals, Thomson Reuters: Thomson Reuters Metals Insider demonstrates our commitment to maximise the potential of professionals in the broader base metals community. It harnesses our world renowned news and data with technological innovation to give the base metals marketplace a competitive edge. Tony Walford, Green Square Partner commented: This transaction represents the realisation of strong synergies for both sides. Metals Insider was harnessing, analysing and commenting on a significant amount of news content daily and needed deeper resource and support to develop its offer. Thomson Reuters recognised the need to develop its social media and community marketing capabilities and technologies. Bringing these two companies together has realised significant benefits for both.

Green Square advises Metals Insider on its sale to Thomson Reuters

We’re pleased to announce the sale of online publishing, content and community agency Metals Insider, to Thomson Reuters.

Daily news digest Metals Insider was founded in 2003 to cover the metal commodity markets and publishes online editorial comment and news to its 5,500 subscribers daily. It has been acquired by Thomson Reuters to spearhead their development and social media communications within the metals industry. Following the acquisition, Thomson Reuters were delighted to launch a web-based, interactive community that brings comprehensive information, research, analysis and professional networking tools to the global base metals marketplace. Thomson Reuters Metals Insider is aimed at equipping the metals marketplace with the tools to gather in-depth information and collaborate with industry peers. Thomson Reuters Metals Insider was launched at LME Week, an important fixture in the global metals industry calendar. The London Metal Exchange, which represents the vast majority of all non-ferrous base metals trading, achieved $9,500 billion in monetary terms in 2007. Metals Insider complements Thomson Reuters professional base metals subscription services, Reuters 3000 Xtra and Reuters Trader for Commodity, which offer even deeper news, market coverage and analytical capabilities. Green Square acted as advisors to Metals Insider throughout the process. James van Bregt, owner and partner, Metals insider commented: The deal will enhance the group’s digital capability globally and was part of an aggressive acquisition strategy. Green Square were superb in not only negotiating the value of the deal, but managing all the intricacies that form a substantial part of it. Mitchel Ingham-Barrow, Global Head of Metals and Minerals, Thomson Reuters: Thomson Reuters Metals Insider demonstrates our commitment to maximise the potential of professionals in the broader base metals community. It harnesses our world renowned news and data with technological innovation to give the base metals marketplace a competitive edge. Tony Walford, Green Square Partner commented: This transaction represents the realisation of strong synergies for both sides. Metals Insider was harnessing, analysing and commenting on a significant amount of news content daily and needed deeper resource and support to develop its offer. Thomson Reuters recognised the need to develop its social media and community marketing capabilities and technologies. Bringing these two companies together has realised significant benefits for both.