Member Article

Leeds SEO firm acquired by London marketing company for £18 million

Leeds-based Epiphany Solutions Limited, has been acquired by Jaywing plc, a London-based digital marketing and consulting business.

The consideration for 100% of Epiphany’s issued share capital consists of an initial cash payment of £11.0 million, plus a further deferred cash payment of £1.0 million and earn out consideration of up to £6.0 million.

This is payable in two instalments over the next two years, subject to future performance of Epiphany.

The acquisition is being funded through the Company’s existing cash resources and bank debt.

Epiphany was founded in 2005 by Shane Quigley and Robin Skidmore and is led by Rob Shaw, all of whom will remain employed in the business going forward.

Epiphany specialises in search engine marketing and is one of only thirty UK agencies that have achieved Certified Google Analytics partner status.

Its clients include a broad range of blue chip companies such as Virgin Holidays, Tesco, AXA Insurance and Pets at Home. Epiphany has experienced strong growth over the past three years.

It reported a pre-tax profit of £1.43 million for the 12 months ended 31 January 2013 and gross assets of Epiphany as at 31 January 2013 were £2.34 million.

In combination with its existing businesses, it will “materially enhance” Jaywing’s presence in the north of England operations.

Rob Shaw will continue to head up Epiphany with Robin Skidmore focusing on growing their social public relations proposition, which operates under the Shackleton brand.

Shane Quigley will take on a broader product development role for Jaywing, in addition to retaining responsibility for the fledgling Epiphany Australia business.

Commenting on the deal, Martin Boddy, said: “This acquisition is a big statement of our intent to re-invent the business. Not only is Epiphany a well run business with good revenue visibility, it is also a great cultural and geographic fit. Most importantly, it provides our unrivalled team of over 50 data scientists with access to the digital data which will fuel our innovation.”

Rob Shaw, Group CEO at Epiphany, added: “We’ve always prided ourselves on being the first to innovate in search, and this deal represents the next evolution; connecting Jaywing’s expertise in data science with our heritage in content marketing, global paid search and website optimisation.

“There are also large client bases to tap into, so all in all this creates a tremendous opportunity for everyone.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .