Osborne Clarke advises 1000heads on the management buyout by Phoenix Equity Partners

Fifth transaction in 2019 for Osborne Clarke's high-profile specialist M&A team

International legal practice Osborne Clarke has advised the shareholders and management team of 1000heads, a leading provider of social media-led data and insights, strategic consultancy and creative services to large corporates, on its management buyout by mid-tier private equity investor Phoenix Equity Partners.

Employing over 150 people across offices in London, New York, Sydney, Dubai and Berlin, the Group serves clients including Microsoft, Wella, Grupo Bimbo, Uniqlo and Arm. 1000heads helps clients grow their businesses in a media landscape dominated by new technology and social media. Its ability to generate real-time data, which can be measured and analysed, helps it to constantly adapt and refine clients’ social media strategies.

The business has been growing strongly; revenue has increased by more than 20% p.a. in recent years to £28m in 2019. Phoenix Equity Partners is partnering with the Group’s management team and its investment will support 1000heads to accelerate the expansion of its international footprint and service offering.

Mike Rowe, the founder of 1000heads commented: "We have really valued the support and expertise Osborne Clarke provided on this complex project and the manner in which they helped us at all stages. The team were a pleasure to work with."

Osborne Clarke's market-leading, specialist M&A team has acted on many of the most transformative transactions in the converging marketing services, brand, product/design innovation and communications sectors and this is the fifth transaction the team has completed in 2019 to date.

The team who advised on the matter was led by Corporate Partner Tim Birt and Private Equity Partner Mark Spinner who were assisted by Senior Associates Jonathan Crowley (Corporate) and Sarah Crabtree (Private Equity) and Associate Sarah Mitchell (Corporate). Partner Mathew Oliver and Associate Emily Clarke advised on tax matters.

Osborne Clarke has a market leading reputation as legal advisers to innovative businesses in the marketing, communications, design, content and technology sectors, particularly with transformative transactional projects. It is one of the leading law firms in the UK and internationally, working with both global businesses and also fast-growth start-ups and market challengers. The team advises at every stage of company development across all corporate issues, from equity and debt fundraisings to M&A, IPOs and JVs.