Private equity-backed marketing firm announces further expansion in US on back of investment
Birmingham headquartered Inspired Thinking Group (ITG), which is backed by investment firm Bridgepoint, has announced plans to expand its presence in the US market through M&A to bolster its creative production and support major brands with high-impact, content marketing campaigns.
The company’s current client base includes global brands such as L’Oréal, McDonalds, Johnson & Johnson, Puma & Haleon.
The expansion forms part of a broader M&A strategy to further build on ITG’s global production business through the acquisition of like-minded businesses in the creative production space in the US and Europe, and the appointment of William Eccleshare as chair.
Eccleshare brings with him several decades of experience leading high-growth creative companies through M&A drives, including digital billboard provider Clear Channel Outdoor where he oversaw business operations across the US and 27 markets around the world.
Eccleshare has held senior positions in global ad agencies within Omnicom, WPP and Interpublic Group, and brings extensive knowledge of the US marketplace.
Simon Ward, CEO of ITG, said: “The US is an extremely exciting and dynamic market for Inspired Thinking Group. US brands have great demand for content, creating the perfect opportunity for our leading combination of services and technology to drive high-impact, results driven marketing campaigns. As the go-to independent marketing agency, our bespoke solutions support brands and clients directly, providing cost savings and efficiencies. We are on the lookout for innovative businesses to merge with and acquire who can provide the next extension of Inspired Thinking Group.”
Eccleshare said: “Inspired Thinking Group is as a true innovator in marketing communications, and the further expansion into the US market with this M&A drive will enhance our position as a leading creative production agency and further build upon the continual growth. We are pushing to expand the reach of our technology and services to access new US and global audiences, supporting major brands with state-of-the-art marketing campaigns.”
The company recently appointed Ross Macdonald as head of M&A, leading on identifying partnerships, new mergers and acquisitions to fuel ITG’s global growth.
Inspired Thinking Group was founded in 2009 by CEO Simon Ward and acquired Storyteq BV in June 2021 and Brand Machine in June 2022.
ITG has offices across Europe as well as in New York and Chicago with a total headcount of over 1,300 people.
