Rumours suggest Robson Brown buy-out by Round2
Strong rumours circulating in Newcastle suggest that multi-service marketing agency Robson Brown may be in the process of agreeing an acquisition deal with US and London-based media firm Round2.
Having contacted Round2 earlier this week, The Drum was instructed by its London office to speak to the company’s CEO, Garfield Ricketts, in Los Angeles, when enquiring about the deal.
At the time of writing there had been no response from Ricketts, while several calls to directors at Robson Brown have also gone unanswered.
According to the company’s accounts for the year ending 28 February 2009, Robson Brown made a profit of £189,000 on a turnover of £33million, down £350,000 from the previous year.
Director emoluments totalled £1.4million, with the highest paid director earning £249,000.
The business was founded by Alan Brown and Stuart Robson in 1983, and rapidly became the North East’s largest marketing services company.
The company has a range of subsidiaries in the media buying, design and public relations fields and is ultimately owned by a holding company called Latefrost Limited which in turn is owned by Brown, Robson and their families.
In total 10 directors are listed in the accounts, although Companies House also reports some changes. Especially noteworthy are the resignations of Michael Goundry, group account director, and Brian Adcock, new business director, both high profile and long-standing members of the business.
Round2 is a Californian based ad agency with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco and London. Clients include LA Times, HondaJet and San Diego Zoo.
Robson Brown has worked with Manchester Arndale, Royal Shakespeare Company and Flymo.