Livingstone Partners, the international corporate finance advisory firm focused on mid-market M&A transactions, has advised on the sale of TVC Group Ltd to The Economist Group for an undisclosed sum. Livingstone’s media:tech team advised the shareholders of TVC, including private equity house ISIS Equity Partners, on the transaction.
TVC is an award-winning marketing communications agency, based in London, which specialises in a content-driven approach to public relations and creative services. Clients such as Coca Cola, British Gas, Vodafone, Ralph Lauren, Lloyds TSB, and Aviva rely on TVC for strategic advice and execution on the most effective ways to create and distribute content-driven campaigns across the globe.
The Economist Group is the leading source of analysis on international business and world affairs and publisher of The Economist. Its investment in TVC reflects a further response to demand from clients for integrated marketing solutions that engage consumers in multiple ways. The transaction will provide Economist Group’s clients with further routes-to-market through content activation programmes and creative brand communications.
Livingstone previously advised the founder-shareholders of TVC on its sale to ISIS in 2008, and had continued to work with the company, advising on growth strategy and positioning in preparation for an ultimate exit.
“Livingstone has been a trusted and crucial adviser toTVC and fundamental in shepherding us through this important phase of TVC’s journey.They identified a truly inspiring partner in The Economist Group and worked tirelessly to negotiate and execute a successful conclusion. Their contribution is incredibly appreciated,” says Nicky Minter-Green, Managing Director, TVC.
“At a time when few media companies are making meaningful acquisitions, it wasn’t an obvious choice to market a PR business to The Economist. But Livingstone know the sector well, and had identified the way TVC could help The Economist achieve their strategic aspirations, while giving the team at TVC a platform for further growth. We were very impressed with the strategic help and insight Livingstone brought toTVC, from the original deal in 2008 all the way through to this transaction,” says Paul Morris, Director, ISIS.
