Fraser Finance advises UDG United Digital Group on its acquisition of 9 digital marketing agencies and financing by EQT
Fraser Finance has acted as exclusive financial advisor to UDG United Digital Group GmbH on its acquisition of nine category-leading digital marketing agencies to form the leading digital marketing group in Germany. UDG United Digital Group includes Bassier, Bergmann & Kindler, eWolff, Jaron, kmf, MP Newmedia, New Identity AG, Nonstop Consulting, SF eBusiness, and SUMO. The transaction was sponsored by EQT Expansion Capital.
The nine agencies will maintain their operating independency while simultaneously working as a group to achieve marketing synergies and gain size and reach to present large clients with a comprehensive digital offering. “UDG United Digital Group will be capable of delivering tailor-made solutions relevant to the digital future. It is also important to point out that while the combined strength of UDG United Digital Group is crucial, it consists of individual market leaders which are founded and developed by true entrepreneurs”, says Michael Riese, CEO and founder of UDG United Digital Group.
The enterprise value of UDG United Digital Group amounts to EUR 97 million. The EQT Expansion Capital fund provided equity and debt to finance the acquisitions and capitalize UDG United Digital Group for future expansion. The current owners of the nine agencies reinvest a substantial part of their proceeds in UDG United Digital Group.
The new combined entity has pro forma group sales of around EUR 89 million. It is headquartered in Hamburg and employs around 500 people.
The amalgamation of nine specialized digital services providers makes it possible for UDG United Digital Group to offer a diversified range of digital services that both optimizes communication with the end consumer and supports all aspects of the client’s value chain. Besides services in the areas of Search Engine Advertising (SEA), Search Engine Optimization (SEO), eCRM, Social Media, Affiliate Marketing, eLearning and eBranding, the spectrum of services includes equipping clients with IT-systems or integration of these systems with those of the client.
Following the transaction, EQT Expansion Capital will hold a minority stake in the equity of UDG United Digital Group with current shareholders, the merging agencies, the Board and management holding the majority.
Fraser Finance advises Pole Star SA, a leading provider of indoor geo-localisation and navigation solutions in France, on its growth financing
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Fraser Finance advises 3GNet GmbH on its acquisition by iCrossing, Inc.
Fraser Finance has acted as financial advisor to 3GNet GmbH, a leading digital marketing agency based in Munich, Germany, on its acquisition by iCrossing, Inc. The acquisition extends iCrossing’s leadership in the U.S. and U.K. into the pan-European market, further establishing the company’s global footprint and client base.
One of the longest established digital marketing providers in Germany, 3GNet provides natural and paid search marketing as well as affiliate marketing services to a number of global brands, including eBay and ESPRIT, as well as leading European brands Görtz, Allianz 24, HSE24, baby-walz and O2 Germany. 3GNet will continue to be led by founders Patrick Bertermann, Oliver Grünig, and managing director Gottfried Häuserer, who will report to Don Scales, president and COO, iCrossing.
Headquartered in Munich with an additional office in Berlin, 3GNet will be transitioned to the iCrossing brand. The financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
Fraser Finance advises toplink GmbH on its growth financing by Co-Investor AG
Fraser Finance has acted as financial advisor to toplink GmbH, a leading provider of VoIP solutions, on its growth financing by Co-Investor AG. toplink is a leading German provider of voice communication solutions based on a Next Generation Network platform. The investment will allow toplink to roll its VoIP services out to small and mid-sized business customers nationwide, and expand its network of partners. Several manufacturers, incl. Aastra, Innovaphone, Philips, SNOM and AVM have already been certified by toplink.
Fraser Finance advises ADTECH AG on its acquisition by AOL LLC
Fraser Finance has acted as financial advisor to ADTECH AG, a leading international online ad-serving company based in Frankfurt, Germany, on its acquisition by AOL LLC. The acquisition provides AOL with an advanced ad-serving platform that includes an array of ad management and delivery applications enabling website publishers to manage, traffic and report on their online advertising campaigns.
ADTECH will operate as an independent and majority-controlled subsidiary of AOL's Advertising.com division and will continue to be based in Frankfurt. The financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.