Mid-market private equity firm NorthEdge has invested in Helios Medical Communications (Helios), a full-service, independent, global healthcare communications and strategic consultancy, to support its UK and international expansion plans.The Cheshire-headquartered agency works with global pharmaceutical clients to deliver high-quality, high-impact bespoke solutions across a range of services including medical writing, advisory boards, training and symposia.
Helios, which ranked 17th on the 2020 Sunday Times FastTrack 100, has achieved growth through a commitment to excellence in delivery, facilitated by investment in people and a focus on team culture.
NorthEdge’s investment will support Helios’ future growth plans. In addition to expanding their existing locations in Cheshire and Oxfordshire, the business is set to launch a new central Manchester office in early 2021 and will also evaluate options for future international expansion.
The deal was led out of NorthEdge’s Manchester Head Office by Grant Berry, Phil Frame, George Potts, Liam May and Jordana Cropper. Grant Berry (NorthEdge’s Managing Partner) and Phil Frame will join the Helios Board.
Andrew Minnock, Managing Director of Helios, says: “Despite some of the broader challenges in 2020, we’ve enjoyed another excellent year. The business continues to go from strength to strength and that is all down to the people and expertise that we have in our growing team.
“From the outset, NorthEdge recognised the importance of the positive culture we have developed, which makes them the ideal partner to support our next phase of growth. We are continuing to recruit top talent in the UK to support global client demand, as well as launching offices internationally to enhance our global footprint. Having NorthEdge’s expertise and support on that journey will be invaluable.”
Phil Frame, Director and Head of North West at NorthEdge, says: “Andrew, Simon, Emma and Jim, supported by the senior leadership team, have built a fantastic business based on expertise, passion and a strong team culture. Their focus on investing in people and a commitment to delivering outstanding, high-quality service has enabled Helios to build an excellent reputation with its growing client base. They continue to enjoy strong demand for their services and we look forward to partnering with the team over the coming years to capitalise on the opportunities for growth.”
NorthEdge’s advisors included DC Advisory (Richard Pulford, Rob Jones, Antoine Mazerolle, Jimmy Warburton and Radu Ilici), Addleshaw Goddard (Andy Green, George Danczak and Samantha Wright), Candesic (Leonid Shapiro and Hui-Chung Liang) and BDO (Chris Heatlie). HSBC provided debt facilities to support the deal and were advised by Pinsent Masons.
Helios Medical Communications was advised by Alantra (Anthony Harrington, Tom Cowap and Yeboah Mensah-Dika) and Squire Patton Boggs (Mark Yeo, Joe Abbott and Lauren Thomas).
