New investment partner for marketing company
ABIRMINGHAM marketing company has secured new private equity investment. Equistone Partners Europe has acquired a majority stake in Inspired Thinking Group (ITG) from Bridgepoint Development Capital alongside management in an undisclosed deal.
ITG provides outsourced marketing services to clients such as Heineken, Sainsbury’s and Audi from its Fort Dunlop base.
It has grown rapidly since the company was founded by Simon Ward in 2009, supported by a series of locally funded transactions which saw Livingbridge invest in 2010 before Bridgepoint majority stake in 2014.
ITG said it planned to continue expanding its range of online and offline marketing services which include a content creation studio, print management and strategic planning.
The company made two acquisitions under Bridgepoint’s ownership – creative consultancy Vitamin in 2015 and last year Creator, which provides electronic customer relationship management.
Mr Ward said: “I’m very proud of what we have achieved since founding ITG. We set out to be a disrupter in the sector and continue to achieve this.
“The speed with which the company has established itself as a leading marketing services provider is a reflection of the amazing team we have at ITG and the continued sup- acquired a port we have received from our investors at each stage of our growth trajectory.
“I am excited to continue ITG’s development with our new partners at Equistone who are a great fit to support our continued ambition to develop and lead this sector and sig- nificantly expand our footprint.”
Paul Harper, partner in the Birmingham office of Equistone, added: “This is a hugely innovative local company and we are delighted that it continues to be supported by Birmingham financial, professional and advisory firms. We are delighted to be working with Simon and his team to continue driving ITG forward.”
Bridgepoint partner Adrian Willetts said: “During our period of ownership, ITG expanded its footprint across sectors, invested in its proprietary technological expertise to support its market leadership and made two important acquisitions.
“The business also grew revenues strongly with organic profits doubling during our investment period.
“With the benefit of this increased scale, it is now well placed to grow further under new shareholders.” international