Endless sells its investment in Ink to the Stagwell Group
PRIVATE EQUITY firm Endless has sold its investment in the travel media company Ink to the Stagwell Group.
Ink creates digital, video, print and experiential branded content for the world’s largest travel companies including American Airlines, United Airways, Singapore Airlines, Etihad Airways, Norwegian, Qatar Airways, Virgin Atlantic Airways, easyJet and Amtrak.
Ink’s media partnerships see more than 802 million passengers annually to interact with its clients’ brands and content.
The London-based firm has a global network of content creators and media sales in Abu Dhabi, Miami, New York, São Paulo and Singapore.
Leeds-based Endless invested in Ink in March 2015 to support the management team led by joint CEOs Michael Keating and Simon Leslie, and CFO Jim Campbell.
Since Endless invested in the business, Ink has opened new offices in Miami and Abu Dhabi, securing new partnerships with Virgin Atlantic Airways, Amtrak, Etihad Airways, Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways.
The firm has also introduced its bespoke video and content portal solutions over the last three and a half years.
Francesco Santinon, partner at Endless, said: “Having been involved since our initial investment in Ink, we are delighted to have seen the transformation and growth of the business that has seen us exit to the Stagwell Group.
“We are incredibly proud of the work that has been done, not only visible from the new offices opened around the globe and new customers launched, but the exciting new digital products launched over the last three years, all of which have created a strong base for the business as it looks to the future.
“Michael Keating, Simon Leslie and Jim Campbell have been an excellent management team that we have greatly enjoyed working with and we wish them all the best for the future.”
Mr Keating said: “The future looks very bright with The Stagwell Group, with the two parties being an excellent strategic fit.
“We are delighted to join the Stagwell family, as we can see the meaningful opportunities to further shape the future of media from within this strong group. Significant and solid growth is at the heart of Stagwell managing partner’s Mark Penn’s plan, and we are thrilled to be part of this international powerhouse.”
We are thrilled to be part of this international powerhouse. Michael Keating, Ink management team