PriestleySoundy advised Steve Allan, the Executive Chair of Brainlabs and former Worldwide Chair & CEO of WPP’s MediaCom, in connection with a landmark growth investment in Brainlabs made by Falfurrias Capital and the realisation by Livingbridge of its investment in Brainlabs. The new strategic partnership, which reportedly values Brainlabs at $320m, will allow one of the world’s fastest-growing agencies to further expand its global presence.
Founded in 2012, Brainlabs quickly achieved a reputation as an industry trailblazer, sparking interest from the industry and investors alike, with the agency first taking investment in 2019 from Livingbridge. In the four years since, Brainlabs has seen top line growth of 800% and integrated eight strategic acquisitions, employing more than 850 people and becoming an internationally acclaimed full-service media agency. Its client portfolio includes WeTransfer, Estée Lauder Companies and adidas.
PriestleySoundy first advised Steve Allan back in 2021 when he joined the Board of Brainlabs as Executive Chair and became a significant shareholder.
Falfurrias Capital is a Charlotte-based US private equity investment firm founded in 2006 by former Bank of America Chair & CEO Hugh McColl Jr. The firm has raised $2.2bn across six funds and invests in growing, middle market businesses in sectors where the firm’s operational resources, relationships, and sector expertise can be employed to complement portfolio company executive teams in support of growth objectives.
Livingbridge is a global mid-market private equity firm with offices across the UK, Australia and the US. Its experience is built on 25 years of sustained success across more than 165 investments.
Brainlabs was advised by Cooley and Falfurrias Capital was advised by K&L Gates.
18 September 2023
