Robson Brown acquisition confirmed
Following first reports on The Drum website, it has now been confirmed that US-based media firm Round 2 International has bought Newcastle marketing agency Robson Brown for an undisclosed sum.
Robson Brown opened in 1983 and has since been run by its founders, Alan Brown and Stuart Robson. In a joint statement the pair said they had turned down many offers for the business in that time before accepting the approach from Round 2.
“We have had many approaches over the years, which is understandable as we are a big brand and have an enviable reputation, great clients and a highly talented team.
“We have always turned down these approaches in the past but the opportunity with Round 2 ticked all the boxes. They have an ambitious business plan that includes further acquisitions that should benefit the team, the clients and the marketing community.”
The deal sees Robson Brown's managing director, Andrew Marwick, appointed chief executive of Round 2 International's UK companies. He will also take over as chief executive of Robson Brown.
Tom Hedley, Duncan McEwan and Susan Langston also join the UK board of Round 2 International as executive directors alongside their current roles of board directors of Robson Brown.
Round 2's UK chairman, Garfield Ricketts (pictured, left, with Marwick), said: "Robson Brown has a great deal of synergy with Round 2 International and has major strengths in terms of qualities, capabilities and strength of management which supports Round 2 International ‘s European expansion plans.
“We have a robust acquisition strategy which will add other specialist companies in the imminent future and which will significantly enhance our current marketing communications offering.
“The fact that Robson Brown has such a strong profile regionally and nationally has also been a major attraction and whilst the company remains firmly rooted in the region, we are also planning to have a significant London office.”
Robson Brown, based close to Newcastle Central Station, employs more than 90 staff and works with clients including Dreams, Manchester Arndale, Flymo and Newcastle Building Society.
Round 2's new UK CEO, Andrew Marwick, said: "“I see this as an ideal succession plan for Robson Brown to grow and develop to not only provide the potential for an exciting and optimistic future for the company and our staff but allow us to continue to improve and expand our capabilities and professional services to our clients. We will have access to greater resources and fire power in addition to new ways of working and new approaches from the US for us to consider.
“We are ambitious and enthusiastic about our plans to move forward into a new and exciting era which undoubtedly will produce an even better offering for our clients. In the short term though it’s business as usual and our focus will remain, as usual, on our clients as our number one priority.”