Ins & outs
Offering commercial and technical expertise across strategy, transaction support, business transformation and regulation and policy, Analysys Mason has more than doubled revenues in the last four years, driven by strong organic growth that has been supplemented with acquisitions in Germany, Norway, Sweden and the US. Looking ahead, there are significant opportunities for continued growth, as the TMT space continues to expand in size and complexity.
Formed from the merger of BDC-backed Private Sport Shop and SportPursuit, backed by bd-capital, Sportscape will generate annual sales of more than €200 million across France, Germany, the UK and 10 other countries. Both Private Sport Shop and SportPursuit offer discounted daily deals on top sports brands and have amassed millions of active customers and social media followers.
Bridgepoint news
Bridgepoint buys online
marketing specialist MiQ
Bridgepoint is acquiring MiQ, a global leader in data-driven media services.
MiQ specialises in programmatic marketing, which uses big data and behavioural targeting to create highly effective automated digital advertising campaigns. The group also provides real-time information that generates tangible results for businesses around the world.
Founded in London in 2010 by Gurman Hundal and Lee Puri, MiQ has become a dominant player in its field, supporting a range of companies through its media offering, analytical solutions and technology platform.
Following Bridgepoint’s investment, MiQ’s existing management team will pursue a programme of continued interna- tional expansion, technological development and client growth.
Bridgepoint director Charles Welham says: “MiQ is a major global player and partners some of the world’s leading brands and agencies. The group has achieved significant growth over the past few years, cultivating best-in-class processes around innovation, technology and data partnerships. We look forward to helping the company maximise its market potential.”
MiQ executive chairman Gurman Hundal adds: “Our success is built on revolutionising the way companies can leverage data, but business challenges around data science, analytics and programmatic trading are becoming more complex every day. Bridgepoint’s proven track record of innovative and scalable investments matches our ambition to move to the next chapter to deliver for our people and clients.” n
BDC joins forces with TMT expert Analysys Mason
Fast-growing telecoms, media and technology (TMT) consultancy Analysys Mason has entered a partnership with Bridgepoint Development Capital (BDC).
Offering commercial and technical expertise across strategy, transaction support, business transformation and regulation and policy, Analysys Mason has more than doubled revenues in the last
BDC has acquired Analysys Mason from Johannesburg-listed Datatec and intends to support the business by providing access to a global network of professionals, sector insights and capital backing.
“Analysys Mason is the go-to consultancy for complex technical and regulatory TMT matters, and we share the management’s ambition to grow the platform both organically and through targeted acquisitions,” says BDC partner Matt Legg.
“We are very excited to partner BDC, a proven partner for professional services firms looking to fulfil their ambitions and realise their full potential,” says Analysys Mason executive vice chair Bram Moerman. n
four years, driven by strong organic growth that has been supplemented with acquisitions in Germany, Norway, Sweden and the US. Looking ahead, there are significant opportunities for continued growth, as the TMT space continues to expand in size and complexity.
Merger creates powerful
sports e-commerce platform
Bridgepoint Development Capital (BDC) and bd-capital have joined forces to create Sportscape Group, a European e-commerce specialist focused on discounted and value-driven sportswear.
Formed from the merger of BDC-backed Private Sport Shop and SportPursuit, backed by bd-capital, Sportscape will generate annual sales of more than €200 million across France, Germany, the UK and 10
The merger creates a distribution channel for more than 2,500 existing brand partners, with access to an audience of almost 25 million sports and outdoor enthusiasts. In addition to driving significant growth through organic expansion, the combined entity creates a strong foundation for mergers and acquisitions in Europe and beyond.
Private Sport Shop and SportPursuit will continue to operate as separate brands in their home markets, but will benefit from shared technology and enhanced consumer insights. n
other countries. Both Private Sport Shop and SportPursuit offer discounted daily deals on top sports brands and have amassed millions of active customers and social media followers.
Inspired Thinking Group wins support for expansion
Bridgepoint has acquired a majority holding in Inspired Thinking Group, a technology-led, multichannel marketing business.
Headquartered in Birmingham, with more than 1,000 employees across offices in the UK, the Continent and the US, Inspired Thinking Group works with top brands, including Jaguar Land Rover, Heineken, PUMA and GSK.
Known as Team ITG, the company has developed a state-of-the-art marketing technology platform, CanopyCloud, supported by a round-the-clock creative production studio and services such as strategy development, performance marketing, TV, film and photography. This blend of technology and services enables Team ITG to provide effective and efficient marketing solutions, tailored to individual client needs.
Bridgepoint’s investment will support the management as it expands internationally, with a particular focus on the US. Emma Watford, partner and co-head of Bridgepoint’s investment activities in the UK, says: “Team ITG operates in a large, growing and fragmented market that benefits from the increasing need for automation, driven by the shift to digital and personalised marketing. We’re excited to be backing the team at a crucial time as it scales its technology offering and becomes increasingly global.”
Team ITG chief executive Simon Ward adds: “Our success has been built on revolutionising the way marketers work, liberating them from tedious administrative tasks through our integrated ecosystem of game-changing technology and world-class creative services. We have the team and the resources to deliver even more powerful results for our clients around the world while also developing a host of exciting new partnerships.” n
Risk mitigation firm HKA sold off after significant growth
Risk mitigation and dispute resolution consultancy HKA has been sold by Bridgepoint Development Capital (BDC).
Headquartered in the UK, HKA operates across a range of disciplines, including expert, claims and advisory services, cybersecurity and privacy, forensic accounting and commercial damages.
With more than 130 partners and offices in 18 countries worldwide, HKA works with law firms, contractors, owners, operators and other professional service providers across the breadth of the risk mitigation and dispute resolution market •
The company has grown significantly under Bridgepoint’s ownership, expanding its core business, developing new services and pursuing several mergers and acquisitions opportunities too, including the transformational acquisition of US-based consultancy Kenrich Group in 2019 and UK construction specialist Probyn Miers a year later.
BDC director Jeannele M’Bembath says: “Working closely with management, we built significant value by establishing a strong partnership culture, focusing on strategic geographic markets and undertaking selective mergers and acquisitions, as well as a comprehensive operational improvement programme.” n
French property outfit moves on
French property investment specialist Groupe CIR been sold by Bridgepoint Development Capital (BDC).
Founded in 1988, the company specialises in the refurbishment of grand heritage buildings and provides both retail and institutional investors with investment products based on high-quality, city-centre real estate.
CIR has more than doubled in size during BDC’s ownership, boosting revenues to more than €25 million through organic growth and acquisitions. Today, the group is a leader in its sector, offering more than 1,250 investment packages a year through a network of around 800 banking partners and asset management advisors.
BDC partner Bertrand Demesse says: “We are very proud to have had the opportunity to accompany Groupe CIR during its ambitious development over the past few years. From the beginning of our collaboration at the end of 2017, Groupe CIR has considerably accelerated its growth, doubling in size by strengthening its core business and accelerating its diversification.” n