Lewis Silkin advises Jones Knowles Ritchie on its investment from Growth Capital Partners

Jones Knowles Ritchie (JKR) was founded in 1990 and employs over 300 people globally across its London, New York, Singapore and Shanghai offices. JKR is one of the world’s most renowned brand and design agencies. It delivers the very highest quality of creative work and strategic thinking to its clients around the world with whom it has deeply embedded, strategic relationships and an outstanding level of client satisfaction.

Since its inception, it has partnered with companies including AB InBev, Unilever, Kraft Heinz and Mars Inc as well as category disruptors Hippeas, Ugly and The Gut Stuff.

JKR is consistently recognised at leading industry awards and was recently crowned Design Agency of the Year at D&AD 2019, for the second year running. It was also listed in the top 100 of The Sunday Times HSBC International Track 200.

GCP’s investment will allow JKR to remain independent, provide a full exit for the founders and give the existing leadership team the freedom to continue growing the business.

The Lewis Silkin team was led by Corporate Partner Jo Evans alongside tax partner Matthew Rowbotham and corporate associate Joe Lythgoe, and other Lewis Silkin specialists in data, IP, real estate and employment completing the team.

Commenting on the transaction, Guy Lambert, Global Chairman and CEO, Jones Knowles Ritchie, said:

“Lewis Silkin have been a Partner for many years and we hugely value their advice. They are incredibly professional and yet very personable. In my experience there are two types of lawyers. Those who tell you why you shouldn’t cross the road. And those who give you the comfort to cross the road. Jo Evans and the team fall into the latter category. That is why we enjoy working with them.”

Jo Evans said:

“What a pleasure it was to work with Guy, Mike and the team at JKR in implementing this next phase in the life of JKR; exiting the two founders and giving JKR the platform for its continued growth from a position of proud independence. We wish all of the team at JKR fantastic success in its new partnership with GCP.”