The transaction is Sideshow Group’s biggest deal to date, and further supports their expansion ambitions. Sideshow has grown organically in recent years through acquisition of best-in-class businesses, supported by investment from Waterland Private Equity in March 2021, which Lewis Silkin also advised on. The acquisition of award-winning Nomensa increases its headcount from 600 to around 740. Nomensa will remain as a stand-alone agency brand, joining other specialist companies in the group. Nomensa is particularly strong within the public sector by rigorously managing compliance and processes and providing support to key businesses and brands.

The Lewis Silkin team was led by Corporate partner, Jo Evans, alongside Matt Rowbotham, Francesca Ainsworth, Joe Lythgoe, Ayesha Chanda, Kathy Granby, Alex Meloy, Fleur Chevenix-Trench, Tom McEvoy, Aimee Dring, Tamsin Hoque, and Ella Nawaro.

Commenting on the deal, Lewis Silkin’s Jo Evans said:

“We always enjoy working with Sideshow Group who continue to be a highly valued client of Lewis Silkin. We are delighted to have advised on this strategic acquisition as the Sideshow Group continues to grow. It illustrates the legal and commercial expertise of Lewis Silkin’s M&A team and our deep understanding of the sector.”

Tony Hill, Founder of Sideshow Group said:

“Jo and the rest of the team have supported us on numerous acquisitions and have once again demonstrated why we count on them as a trusted partner. Their professionalism and knowledge of the sector and of our business ensured that the acquisition was as seamless as possible. We will no doubt work with them again in the future.”