Equator goes on acquisition trail with Irish deal

PACKAGING design firm Equator Design has acquired Dublin’s Link Design Studios as it seeks to widen its geographical reach and double turnover to £20m.

Manchester and Nottingham-based Equator said Link’s founding directors Tom Fitzpatrick and Gary Orr will stay with the business. The value of the deal was not disclosed.

Equator already has six international offices and is planning further expansion.

Director, Mark Cook, said: “We targeted Link Design Studios in view of their well-deserved reputation as a talented and creative design team, whose ethos matches the Equator global business perfectly. We look forward to growing the business to match the current Equator model and this will enable us to provide a high calibre design offering, combined with unparalleled customer service standards, for existing and potential customers throughout Ireland.
 
“These are exciting times for Equator and everyone associated with the company. We are working towards aggressive growth, with several design outfits with household name brand portfolios already in our sights and at least one new acquisition targeted within the next six months, backed by continuing investment in people and infrastructure throughout our global operations.”

He added: “Looking ahead, our expansion plans include further inroads in the North American marketplace, with a second Chicago office scheduled for 2014 and we will also be broadening our portfolio by moving into new market sectors, both by organic growth and the acquisition of talented design outfits with outstanding expertise in these niche areas, together with an excellent reputation for delivery, a passion for customer service and the provision of new disciplines to offer to our customers.”

The Dublin deal follows Equator’s merger in April 2012 with Manchester based GJ Design, which now goes under the Equator brand.