MediaCom swoops for Code Computerlove

COMMUNICATIONS company MediaCom has acquired Manchester-based independent digital agency Code Computerlove.

MediaCom says the purchase for an undisclosed fee of the Manchester-based agency, whose clients include Hillarys, Amnesty International, Brother and Chester Zoo, reflects the continued growth of the media industry in the region.

The acquisition is being undertaken by Manchester-based MediaCom North, which had a turnover of more than £300m in 2016 and has more than 260 employees. Its clients include MoneySupermarket.com, WeBuyanyCar.com, and AO.com.

Established in 1999, Code is one of the most recognised digital businesses outside of London and employs 85 people.

Code will continue to be managed by its founders Tony Foggett, Louis Georgiou and Wini Tse who have maintained a combined 25% stake in the business and it will remain in its offices in the centre of Manchester.

Paul Cooper, managing director at MediaCom Manchester, will take overall responsibility for the new organisation.

He said: “The acquisition strengthens our ability to provide an offering that is unrivalled in the UK for both scale and sophistication in delivering across the whole marketing ecosystem, and cements MediaCom’s place as industry leaders in the digital space.

“In the last four years we have more than doubled the size of our business and this acquisition gives us a platform to do the same over the next four years.

“I am delighted to welcome Code into the MediaCom family. This is an incredibly successful and well run business that is a perfect fit for both our offering and our client base. I am thoroughly looking forward to working with Tony, Louis, Wini and the rest of the team. “

Code chief executive Tony Foggett said: “Over the past few years we have been transforming Code’s offer and operating model to be able to help our clients behave more like startups, continually iterating to create brilliant digital experiences that keep them ahead of their competition.

“We are both businesses that focus on measurable value creation, we just come at this from different parts of the customer journey. Like Code, MediaCom is focused on outcomes, with data and the consumer at the centre of their decision-making, we have always found we are able to create far more effective platforms for our clients when acquisition and conversion are integrated. We already have shared clients and look forward to expanding this further.”

Louis Georgiou added: “We couldn’t be prouder of the reputation we have sustained over the last 17 years. Being part of the MediaCom Group will help us step up a gear as a business, creating fantastic opportunities for us, our staff and our clients.

“On a personal level, I will relish the learning opportunities that come with being part of a successful global network and I look forward to working with Paul and the team.”