A brand communication agency is set for international expansion following a management buy-out for a seven-figure sum.
Managing partners Brodie Harkess and Martin Jones have completed the acquisition of the agency from founders Mark Platts and Mike Scott, who have left the business to pursue new projects. The pair took an initial 50% equity stake in the business in 2015 and have now acquired full control of the business.
The management team is now accelerating plans for growth following a series of client wins in the UK and US over the last 18 months. The company is having its most successful year on record, with turnover up 57% on 2019.
Commenting on the deal, Martin said: “We have evolved Brawl over the last five years to become a brand communication agency that provides strategic planning and content creation to some of the biggest brands in the world. The completion of the MBO will allow us to accelerate our plans for international growth and better serve our clients across the globe.”
Brawl is actively seeking new offices in the US to serve a growing roster of clients. The move builds on international campaigns for a global technology brand based in California and an international healthcare company.
Brodie said: “We have exciting times ahead. In the past few months, we’ve expanded our team and international capabilities to meet increased demand, and we’re looking at opening our first office in the US. It’s clear that demand from strategy-led content-driven communications is growing wherever you are in the world.”
Brawl started as a production company 34 years ago, called Mezzo Films. It has maintained its expertise in multi-media production while adding brand, design, strategy, and planning to its services.
The agency recently moved to new offices in Leeds and undertook a six-figure investment to upgrade the office and studio facilities.
