SI Partners have worked closely with IM2.0 management shareholders throughout the sale process to advise on all commercial aspects of the deal. SI Partners assisted IM2.0 on the structure and technicalities of the deal, and negotiated all the variables that impact on risk and value to ensure successful completion.
"Most agency transactions are one-off experiences for the management sellers, who can easily find the process confusing and bewildering. SI Partners’ deep insights and experience in this area enabled us to navigate the complex considerations and negotiations with clarity and confidence. Their professional advice and guidance on the commercial aspects of this transaction helped us achieve a great win-win result for all parties involved. We are very happy with our collaboration with SI Partners".
Yi-Chung Tay, COO, IM2.0
This deal represents a landmark in the fast-paced changing landscape of China’s digital marketing communication industry.
"This is a great deal for both parties, blending IM2.0’s success and extensive knowledge of the Chinese digital landscape with VML’s international network. It clearly highlights both the significance of the digital future, and that expansion into the Chinese market, through acquisition of firmly established independents, is high on the agenda of the global players in the industry.”
Alistair Angus, Co – Founder, SI Partners
VML’s expansion into China with the acquisition of IM2.0 and launch of VML IM2.0 represents VML’s largest acquisition to date. This deal continues VML’s expansion in the Asia-Pacific region, following the opening of VML Tokyo in March 2013. VML is part of the Y&R network.
VML IM2.0 will be led by IM2.0’s Chief Executive Officer Chris Tung and Chief Operating Officer Yi-Chung Tay. Both Tung and Tay are former Marketing VPs from PepsiCo Greater China, with many years of marketing, digital innovation and strategy experience between them.
IM2.0 Interactive Group is one of China’s leading and most successful digital marketing agencies. Established in 2008, IM2.0 employs approximately 230 people across offices in Beijing and Shanghai. IM2.0 is ranked in both the top 10 digital creative and top 10 digital media agencies in China by DamnDigital and was named among Red Herring’s Asia Top 100 companies. Named Agency of the Year 2013 in China by the Mobile Marketing Association, IM2.0’s client portfolio includes Dell, adidas, Mondelez, China Merchant Bank and Haier.
“IM2.0 is an industry leader in China and an essential asset to VML’s growth in Asia. With the addition of VML IM2.0, we now support key global client partnerships with a robust offering for China’s unique and fast-growing digital landscape,” said Jon Cook, global CEO and president at VML.
For more information on VML IM2.0, visit: http://www.vml.com
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