Lewis Silkin advises Be Heard Group plc on its acquisition of creative agency The Corner and associated fundraising of £6.2m

The £12 million capped deal will boost Be Heard Group’s creative offering and consolidate its digital marketing services business to deliver more innovative and more cost-efficient solutions to clients. The acquisition of The Corner will mean Be Heard Group will comprise of 300 people spanning five companies, bolstering the group’s integrated end to end marketing services.

This deal marks Lewis Silkin’s third acquisition and second fundraising transaction with the AIM-listed company in less than 12 months and enhances its reputation of being one of the leading corporate and M&A practices in the advertising, marketing and technology sectors.

The Lewis Silkin multi-disciplinary team, drawn from its Advertising & Marketing and Technology sector focus groups, was led by corporate partner Paul Rajput and David Willbe, and supported by tax partner Matthew Rowbotham, and corporate associates Sadiq Tajbhai, Susie Jarrold and Georgina Fraser.

Paul Rajput, Corporate Partner at Lewis Silkin, commented:

“We are delighted to have advised Be Heard Group on both the acquisition and its financing, once again highlighting Lewis Silkin’s market leading M&A work in the creative sector, particularly for buy-side clients. Our clients consider the value we add through our specialist sector knowledge is unrivalled.”

David Willbe, Corporate Finance Partner at Lewis Silkin, commented:

“This deal showcases our capabilities in undertaking fundraising transactions at every stage of a company’s growth, including in the public markets. Access to the capital markets is a key part of many buyers’ strategies, and we can support those transactions efficiently and with the benefit of our sector expertise.

The integrated nature of the Lewis Silkin team aided the success of the deal as it enabled us to carry out the necessary legal due diligence and verification quickly and effectively. Clients have said that the agile structure we have and our sector focus approach give us a competitive advantage.”

Robin Price, CFO and COO at Be Heard, commented:

“Paul, David and the rest of their team have been invaluable partners and have advised us at every stage of the process. Strategically, this is a significant acquisition for Be Heard and so it was essential that we received the very best commercial advice available. Lewis Silkin provide this, with a deep understanding of the sector as a result of the extensive number of transactions they do in it. On top, their client service and delivery and ability to meet tight deadlines is impeccable.”