Leonis Principal, Inc. (d/b/a “Leonis Partners”) and The Jordan Edmiston Group, Inc. (d/b/a “JEGI CLARITY,” and together with Leonis Partners, the “Parties”) have entered into a proposed combination agreement (the “Transaction”). The Transaction is subject to approval by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) and in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”). The Parties will continue to be two distinct entities and businesses until the Parties obtain FINRA's and the FCA's approval of, and close, the Transaction. Click here for more information.
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Transaction

The cornerstone of a new global media network

Following the transaction, Walker Media will form a key part of the new ZenithOptimedia Group network to be launched in 2014

Date: November 2013
Deal Type: Corporate Divestiture
Role: Sell-side M&A
Sectors:
  • Marketing Services and Technology

JEGI CLARITY acted as the sole corporate finance advisor to the shareholders of M&C Saatchi on their sale of 75.1% of walker Media to Publicis Groupe.

Established in 1998 by Christine Walker and Phil Georgiadis as a 50/50 joint venture with M&C Saatchi, Walker Media is one of the leading UK media agencies with annual billings in 2012 of approximately £240 million. It has an extensive list of longstanding relationships with blue chip clients including Marks & Spencer, Dixons Group, KFC, Halfords and Weetabix.

Following the transaction, Walker Media will become part of the ZenithOptimedia Group, owned by Publicis. It will remain as a separate agency in the UK, and will be a key cornerstone of a new global media network that will sit within the ZenithOptimedia Group. The new ZenithOptimedia Group network will be launched in 2014.

The transaction values Walker Media at £48 million with M&C Saatchi retaining at 24.9% stake in the business.

JEGI CLARITY did an excellent job for us. Getting the deal over the line required both cast-iron technical capabilities as well as highly effective communication and negotiation skills. Their advice was always straightforward and to the point. They are a real pleasure to work with and the outcome is a great result for all parties involved.

David Kershaw, CEO, M&C Saatchi

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