Green Square Archives

Green Square advises SPA on private equity merger with Future Thinking

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 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.