The acquisition builds on the success of MHP Group’s existing team and creates a market-leading creative content capability as part of a full-service communications offer.

Studio La Plage specialises in sectors that are highly complementary to MHP’s: health, financial services, technology and luxury. Its clients include Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca, BlackRock and Pottermore Publishing. The combined group will have annual revenues of approximately £40million and a portfolio of 220 clients.

Lewis Silkin’s team was led by Sadiq Tajbhai, Legal Director supported by Jack Baldwin, Senior Associate and Stacy Treharne, Associate from the corporate team. Matthew Rowbotham, Partner and Michael Birchall, Associate provided tax support. Corporate partner Paul Rajput oversaw the transaction.

Commenting on the deal, Lewis Silkin’s Sadiq Tajbhai said:

It’s been a pleasure to support MHP Group on their expansion plan. Next 15 Group is a long-standing client of the firm and we’re delighted to see their agencies continue to grow. This acquisition supports MHP Group’s growth strategy and means they can offer clients even greater depth, scale and creative diversity.

Commenting on the deal, Next 15’s Group General Counsel, Mark Sanford, said:

Sadiq and the team at Lewis Silkin continue to be our partner of choice when it comes to our M&A. The team’s knowledge of Next 15, their deep sector knowledge and our approach to M&A transactions adds significant value in successfully completing transactions.