Dock10 acquires visual effects firm

DOCK10, the media services business based at MediaCityUK, has bought a Manchester-based post production and visual effects company for an undisclosed sum.

The deal to acquire 422 excludes its sister company based in Glasgow, which will stay under its existing independent ownership and re-brand in the coming months.

Following on from its acquisition of the Edit19 visual effects business earlier this year, dock10 said the deal will significantly expand its short form and long form service offering.

422 has particular specialisms in: creative audio, visual effects and graphics, grade, animation and CG. Its client portfolio includes many advertising agencies and commercial production companies in the North, as well as a number of TV production businesses and major corporate brands. Recent assignments include campaigns for Magnet Kitchens, John West, Aldi, Farmfoods, and Alpecin.

Mark Senior, chief executive of dock10, said: “The 422 team has a fantastic reputation for creating and delivering a formidable range of high end post production services, and we are delighted to welcome them to dock10.

“When combined with our existing post production and vfx business, this acquisition will make dock10 the clear leader outside London in both the TV and creative services markets.”

The 422 team, led by Damien Lynch and Gemma Ackerley, will remain in its existing premises in Peter Street, Manchester until mid 2017, before moving into dock10’s state of the art facilities in The Quay at MediaCityUK.

Damien Lynch, facilities director for 422, said: “422 was conceived, over 20 years ago, to offer the best creative talent and innovative post production technology outside of London.

“In that time, we have developed into a full service post production and vfx facility, catering primarily for the advertising, corporate and animation industries. I am very excited about the opportunity to combine the service offerings of dock10 and 422 which will be un-paralleled in the regional market.”

dock10 was advised by George Danczak and Michael Birchall at Addleshaw Goddard and the selling shareholders were advised by Simon Wallwork at Slater Heelis and Rob Lord and Paul Stringer at Cowgill Holloway.

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