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Euronext listed Publicis Groupe agreed to acquire a 40% share in the communication agency Lion Communications s.r.o. from its Czech joint-venture partner

Sector
Media and communication agencies
Target company
Lion Communications s.r.o.
Seller
Company co-founder, a partner in the JV
Buyer
Publicis Groupe
Our role
Advisory to seller
Transaction size
Undisclosed
Year
2013

Lion Communications is the largest creative and communication agency in the Czech market. The company has developed a unique multi-brand agency concept, including the strongest global brands such as SAATCHI & SAATCHI, PUBLICIS, Leo Burnett, PUBLICIS PR, and PUBLICIS MODEM. The agency was established in the Czech Republic in 1995 as a joint venture with a local partner.

The French Publicis Groupe (EP: PUB) is the 3rd largest communications group worldwide and a leader in digital and interactive communication. With activities spanning 108 countries on five continents, Publicis Groupe employs approximately 60,000 professionals.

Merger Vision acted as an exclusive M&A advisor to the co-founder on his exit, structured as a combination of immediate cash compensation and a multi-year earnout.

  • I selected Merger Vision as my M&A advisor among several advisory firms. They gained my trust as they proved detailed knowledge of transactions from our sector and mechanisms of exit from joint venture companies. They also made practical recommendations regarding negotiating the best transaction terms for me based on corporate documents from the 90s when the company was established. In addition, it was clear that Merger Vision has relevant experience in cross-border transactions where the counterparty is a large publicly traded corporation. I was very pleased with the negotiated terms of the sale of my stake, which was settled over several years with the annual assistance of Merger Vision.

    Martin Štěpánek, Lion Communications s.r.o

    co-founder and CEO

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