EVCOM’s latest Senior Leaders’ Breakfast, held in 14th May, in partnership with Tysers Live and Richmond Communication Directors’ Forum, brought together senior agency and communications leaders for a fascinating and highly relevant discussion on one of the defining trends shaping the industry today: growth through acquisition.
Hosted under Chatham House rules at Tysers London, the session featured two hugely experienced voices from different sides of the M&A landscape – Dale Parmenter, Founder & CEO of DRPG, and Barnaby Cook, Co-CEO of Auspicious Group.
The discussion offered a compelling insight into the scale and ambition behind both DRPG and Auspicious, while exploring the very different models businesses can adopt when pursuing growth through acquisition. From long-term strategic expansion to fast-moving buy-and-build approaches, attendees were given a detailed understanding of how acquisition strategies are evolving across the creative and communications sectors.
There was significant discussion around the ongoing consolidation of the industry, the changing market landscape, and the growing influence of both private equity and private credit – including the differences between them and the impact each can have on agency growth, investment and decision-making.
Importantly, the session moved beyond theory and provided practical insight for leaders either considering acquisitions themselves or positioning their businesses for acquisition. Topics ranged from valuation and deal structures through to integration challenges, timing, culture and what ultimately makes an acquisition successful.
As with all EVCOM Senior Leaders’ Breakfasts, the value came not only from the speakers but from bringing together senior people from across the industry for open, honest and informed discussion.
A huge thank you to Dale Parmenter and Barnaby Cook for sharing their experience and insight, and to our partners Tysers Live and Richmond Communication Directors’ Forum for supporting another outstanding session.