Clients

For over a decade, Highstead has been advising some of the world’s most exciting consumer, media and tech brands. Explore the businesses and people we’ve brought together.

VIVOBAREFOOT – Sustainable barefoot footwear
VIVOBAREFOOT – Sustainable barefoot footwear
A pioneer in barefoot footwear and natural health, Vivobarefoot is on a mission to connect people with nature. All Vivobarefoot footwear is designed to be Wide, Thin and Flexible (as close to barefoot as possible) to promote your foot’s natural strength and movement.
Activity:
Fundraise
Investor:
Sofina
Year:
2024
JESSICA MCCORMACK – Luxury diamond jewellery
JESSICA MCCORMACK – Luxury diamond jewellery
Jessica McCormack designs exceptional diamond jewellery for the modern woman, creating heirlooms for future generations.
Activity:
Strategic advice to Board and Founder
Year:
2024
MORPH COSTUMES – Online costume retailer
MORPH COSTUMES – Online costume retailer
Home of the iconic Morphsuit, MorphCostumes is a market leader in costume retailing, selling over 1,200 designs across the globe.
Activity:
Management Buyout
Acquirer:
Management
Year:
2024
THE CLIMBING HANGAR – Multi-site bouldering gym operator
THE CLIMBING HANGAR – Multi-site bouldering gym operator
The UK's leading climbing brand, offering a high-quality and friendly service to all of their 20,000+ member community. The Climbing Hangar is at the forefront of the climbing market evolution in the UK.
Activity:
Sale
Acquirer:
Verlinvest
Year:
2024
I-MEDIA – Digital Out of Home media owner
I-MEDIA – Digital Out of Home media owner
A rapidly growing Digital Out of Home media owner with exclusive advertising rights across the UK’s Motorway Service Areas.
Activity:
Acquisition
Acquirer:
Mayfair Equity Partners
Year:
2024
ANTON – Film & TV studio*
ANTON – Film & TV studio*
A challenger independent film and TV studio creating, financing and distributing film and high-end scripted TV.
* Advised by team member prior to Highstead
Activity:
Fundraise
Investor:
BlackRock
Year:
2024
TECHNICOLOR CREATIVE STUDIOS – VFX & creative studios*
TECHNICOLOR CREATIVE STUDIOS – VFX & creative studios*
Global leader in visual effects across the film, TV, advertising and kids animation sectors.
* Advised by team member prior to Highstead
Activity:
Restructuring
Investor:
Lender Consortium
Year:
2023
MSQ – Marketing agency*
MSQ – Marketing agency*
A global creative, technology and media company focused on driving brand momentum.
* Advised by team member prior to Highstead
Activity:
Sale
Acquirer:
One Equity Partners
Year:
2023
BROMPTON BICYCLE – British-made folding bicycle
BROMPTON BICYCLE – British-made folding bicycle
Iconic and pre-eminent folding bicycle with 45 years of design, engineering and manufacturing know-how. Brompton has built a multi-award winning heritage brand with a global presence.
Activity:
Fundraise
Investor:
BGF
Year:
2023
DEMELLIER – Contemporary luxury handbags
DEMELLIER – Contemporary luxury handbags
Award-winning brand loved by royalty and celebrities, with a unique proposition of high-end aesthetics, modern design, outstanding quality and a focus on sustainability and social values.
Activity:
Fundraise
Investor:
Undisclosed
Year:
2023
EVOLVE – Independent Out-of-Home specialist
EVOLVE – Independent Out-of-Home specialist
A global, independent OOH agency using data technology to provide agile, effective and tangible results for advertisers.
Activity:
Acquisition
Acquirer:
Talon
Year:
2023
NOVUS – Canadian Out-of-Home media agency
NOVUS – Canadian Out-of-Home media agency
One of the largest and most-respected agencies in Canada, delivering customised, strategic and data-led campaigns for many of the world's biggest OOH advertisers.
Activity:
Acquisition
Acquirer:
Talon
Year:
2023
MONICA VINADER – Demi-fine jewellery
MONICA VINADER – Demi-fine jewellery
An iconic, fast-growing leader in the demi-fine jewellery space, Monica Vinader creates modern designs of exceptional quality. Focusing on personalisation, collectability and sustainability, the brand enjoys a highly engaged loyal community with global reach.
Activity:
Acquisition
Acquirer:
Bridgepoint Development Capital
Year:
2023
BREMONT – Luxury British watches
BREMONT – Luxury British watches
An award-winning company championing British watchmaking by producing beautifully engineered chronometers at its headquarters in Henley. Inspired by flying and all things mechanical, Bremont is among the top 20 watchmakers in the world with a passionate global customer base.
Activity:
Sale
Acquirer:
Bill Ackman, Hellcat Acquisitions
Year:
2022
TALON – Global independent Out-of-Home media agency
TALON – Global independent Out-of-Home media agency
Global leader in OOH, utilising extensive expertise to connect with audiences and ensure advertisers and agencies reap the rewards.
Activity:
Sale
Acquirer:
Equistone Partners Europe
Year:
2022
PLIMSOLL PRODUCTIONS – TV production & distribution*
PLIMSOLL PRODUCTIONS – TV production & distribution*
Leading global natural history production company with a focus on premium content.
* Advised by team member prior to Highstead
Activity:
Sale
Acquirer:
ITV
Year:
2022
BUZZBIKE – Bike subscription
BUZZBIKE – Bike subscription
An urban bike and e-bike subscription service, combining hardware, software, services and community to offer members a holistic active mobility solution with all the benefits of owning a bike without the upfront investment or hassle.
Activity:
Fundraise
Investor:
Signa Sports United
Year:
2022
BAD WOLF – TV production*
BAD WOLF – TV production*
Leading global natural history production company with a focus on premium content.
* Advised by team member prior to Highstead
Activity:
Sale
Acquirer:
Sony Pictures
Year:
2021
WHOLEGOOD – Organic food wholesaler
WHOLEGOOD – Organic food wholesaler
Award-winning one-stop-shop solution for food retailers, supplying biodynamic and organic fruit, vegetables and the best independent brands.
Activity:
Fundraise
Investor:
Undisclosed
Year:
2021
NCAM – Visual effects for film & live production
NCAM – Visual effects for film & live production
A pioneer of real-time motion picture software and virtual production technology.
Activity:
Disposal
Acquirer:
Zeiss
Year:
2021
ADM GROUP – Marketing execution platform*
ADM GROUP – Marketing execution platform*
Global end-to-end marketing execution business bringing together intuitive technology and global supply chain capabilities with local expertise.
* Advised by team member prior to Highstead
Activity:
Minority sale
Acquirer:
Equistone
Year:
2021
POSTER PLAN (KINETIC IRELAND) – Ireland-based Out-of-Home specialist
POSTER PLAN (KINETIC IRELAND) – Ireland-based Out-of-Home specialist
An OOH specialist, focusing on creative, dynamic and data-led solutions for a wide range of agencies and clients.
Activity:
Acquisition
Acquirer:
Talon
Year:
2021
GO INSTORE – Software*
GO INSTORE – Software*
Video powered live commerce platform that connects online customers with in-store product experts using immersive HD live video.
* Advised by team member prior to Highstead
Activity:
Sale
Acquirer:
Emplifi
Year:
2021
SLAM – Italian performance wear
SLAM – Italian performance wear
Slam is a leading technical sailing and premium lifestyle apparel brand designed by professionals for competitive yachtsmen and women and sailing enthusiasts alike. The distinctive Italian brand has a global reputation for technical excellence steeped in style.
Activity:
Disposal
Acquirer:
VAM Investments
Year:
2021
BUNTIN – US-based Out-of-Home media specialist
BUNTIN – US-based Out-of-Home media specialist
Buntin is recognized as one of the the leading AdTech companies in OOH media, with unified planning, buying, production, optimization, and attribution capabilities that optimises media across channels, including programs executed at the hyperlocal level and scaled nationally.
Activity:
Acquisition
Acquirer:
Talon
Year:
2021
WILD NUTRITION – Natural, ethically-sourced supplements and vitamins
WILD NUTRITION – Natural, ethically-sourced supplements and vitamins
An award-winning, B-Corp certified nutritional supplements and wellness brand. With its unique Food-Grown approach that uses an organic and completely natural method of producing the active nutrients, Wild Nutrition is able to provide superior efficacy and whole body nutrition with its products.
Activity:
Fundraise
Investor:
Piper Private Equity
Year:
2021
SOHONET – Film & TV collaboration tools*
SOHONET – Film & TV collaboration tools*
A global expert in film production services offering remote video editing and collaboration tools for TV and film storytellers.
* Advised by team member prior to Highstead
Activity:
Buyside
Acquirer:
LDC
Year:
2021
PV3 TECHNOLOGIES – Electrochemical technologies
PV3 TECHNOLOGIES – Electrochemical technologies
Specialist in the development and manufacture of electrochemical materials used in the creation of green hydrogen, with an emphasis on customer collaboration and product development.
Activity:
Acquisition
Acquirer:
James Cropper (via Technical Fibre Products)
Year:
2021
SERAPHINE – Premium maternity wear
SERAPHINE – Premium maternity wear
Seraphine's high-quality, fashion-forward maternity clothes are designed to help pregnant women stay true to their style during and after pregnancy. Specialising in innovative maternity & nursing designs, Seraphine empowers women to feel comfortable and confident in their changing bodies.
Activity:
Acquisition
Acquirer:
Mayfair Equity Partners
Year:
2020
REAL AGENCY GROUP – B2B marketing*
REAL AGENCY GROUP – B2B marketing*
European B2B marketing agency network providing a full suite of services to blue chip global clients.
* Advised by team member prior to Highstead
Activity:
Sale
Acquirer:
Management
Year:
2020
STORYBLOCKS – Media publishing*
STORYBLOCKS – Media publishing*
A rapidly growing video creation platform for individuals and organisations, incorporating templates, audio, stock video and image files, and production tools for video content development.
* Advised by team member prior to Highstead
Activity:
Buyside
Acquirer:
Great Hill Partners
Year:
2020
THE CONRAN SHOP – Contemporary furniture & homeware
THE CONRAN SHOP – Contemporary furniture & homeware
The Conran Shop offers an exciting and unique range of furniture and interiors, from iconic mid-century classics to inimitable exclusives and vintage styles, complemented and brought up to date with a growing range of Design Collaborations & Future Collectibles.
Activity:
Acquisition
Acquirer:
White & Blue Capital
Year:
2020
GRAND VISUAL – Out-of-Home production
GRAND VISUAL – Out-of-Home production
Providing creative services and crafting compelling stories which maximise the effective use of OOH for advertisers and agencies around the globe.
Activity:
Acquisition
Acquirer:
Talon
Year:
2019
ANYA HINDMARCH – Luxury handbags & accessories
ANYA HINDMARCH – Luxury handbags & accessories
Anya Hindmarch is a dynamic global brand, known for its luxury accessories, ground-breaking work in sustainability and playful experiential retail concepts. Creativity, modern craftsmanship and personalisation sit at the heart of everything the brand does.
Activity:
Acquisition
Acquirer:
White & Blue Capital
Year:
2019
FRESCOBOL CARIOCA – Designer swimwear, clothing & accessories
FRESCOBOL CARIOCA – Designer swimwear, clothing & accessories
Inspired by the spirit of Rio de Janeiro, Frescobol Carioca is infused with collaboration, energy and genuine passion. Designed for sunseekers and city explorers alike, the collection offers effortless essentials with a distinct Carioca flair, forming the basis of any modern wardrobe.
Activity:
Fundraise
Investor:
YFM Equity Partners
Year:
2019
GRANDESIGN – US-based Out-of-Home specialist
GRANDESIGN – US-based Out-of-Home specialist
The second-largest independent OOH agency in the US, delivering traditional and experiential OOH across six offices.
Activity:
Acquisition
Acquirer:
Talon
Year:
2019
THE SPECIALIST WORKS – Independent media agency
THE SPECIALIST WORKS – Independent media agency
An independent media planning and buying agency known for its investment-neutral, collaborative, and dynamic approach to media. Their bespoke services create the best opportunities for their high growth, international clients.
Activity:
Management buyout
Investor:
Santander
Year:
2018
PARVALUX – British manufacturer of geared motors
PARVALUX – British manufacturer of geared motors
The UK’s largest manufacturer of small powered geared electric motors. The business manufactures products suitable for applications in the Healthcare, Leisure, Industrial, Transport and Commercial sectors, as well as offering semi-custom and fully bespoke design options.
Activity:
Disposal
Acquirer:
Maxon Motors
Year:
2018
FEEFO – Research technology*
FEEFO – Research technology*
Ratings and review platform facilitating business learnings for enhanced customer experiences.
* Advised by team member prior to Highstead
Activity:
Sale
Acquirer:
Vespa Capital
Year:
2018
BREMONT – Luxury British watches
BREMONT – Luxury British watches
An award-winning company championing British watchmaking by producing beautifully engineered chronometers at its headquarters in Henley. Inspired by flying and all things mechanical, Bremont is among the top 20 watchmakers in the world with a passionate global customer base.
Activity:
Fundraise
Investor:
Select Equity Group, Astor Place Holding
Year:
2018
PARVALUX – British manufacturer of geared motors
PARVALUX – British manufacturer of geared motors
The UK’s largest manufacturer of small powered geared electric motors. The business manufactures products suitable for applications in the Healthcare, Leisure, Industrial, Transport and Commercial sectors, as well as offering semi-custom and fully bespoke design options.
Activity:
Fundraise
Investor:
HSBC Bank Finance
Year:
2018
BUZZBIKE – Bike subscription
BUZZBIKE – Bike subscription
An urban bike and e-bike subscription service, combining hardware, software, services and community to offer members a holistic active mobility solution with all the benefits of owning a bike without the upfront investment or hassle.
Activity:
Fundraise
Investor:
Undisclosed
Year:
2018
GRAVITAS VENTURES – Film and TV distribution*
GRAVITAS VENTURES – Film and TV distribution*
Independent film distributor connecting filmmakers and producers with leading theatrical, on-demand and television partners.
* Advised by team member prior to Highstead
Activity:
Buyside
Acquirer:
Red Arrow Studios
Year:
2017
DENTEX – Network of co-owned dental practices
DENTEX – Network of co-owned dental practices
The UK's corporate of choice with a community of over 100 dental practices. Dentex celebrates the individuality of each practice and their team, giving them the time and support to get back to doing the job they love.
Activity:
Fundraise
Investor:
Universal Partners Limited
Year:
2017
TALON – Global independent Out-of-Home media agency
TALON – Global independent Out-of-Home media agency
Global leader in OOH, utilising extensive expertise to connect with audiences and ensure advertisers and agencies reap the rewards.
Activity:
Disposal
Acquirer:
Mayfair Equity Partners
Year:
2017
DEMELLIER – Contemporary luxury handbags
DEMELLIER – Contemporary luxury handbags
Award-winning brand loved by royalty and celebrities, with a unique proposition of high-end aesthetics, modern design, outstanding quality and a focus on sustainability and social values.
Activity:
Fundraise
Investor:
Sloane Point
Year:
2016
COACH HOUSE INNS – Gastropub group
COACH HOUSE INNS – Gastropub group
A growing collection of gastropubs that concentrate on sourcing local and seasonal ingredients for the menu, as well as offering relaxed and welcoming accommodation.
Activity:
Fundraise
Investor:
Clark Group
Year:
2016
AIRPORT MEDIA – Advertising services in airports
AIRPORT MEDIA – Advertising services in airports
The exclusive provider of digital, classic and experiential advertising within London Gatwick and London Luton airports.
Activity:
Acquisition
Acquirer:
Undisclosed
Year:
2015
AMSCREEN – Digital outdoor signage provider
AMSCREEN – Digital outdoor signage provider
Experts in delivering digital intelligence to the urban world. Providing Smart street furniture and connected street-level hubs to create an urban network that powers smarter cities and delivers valuable insights.
Activity:
Disposal
Acquirer:
Undisclosed
Year:
2015
PRICE FORBES – Independent specialty insurance broker
PRICE FORBES – Independent specialty insurance broker
Independent specialist global wholesale insurance broker, placing risks for large national corporations, SMEs and start-ups, and in particular, non-standard risks for large multinational companies.
Activity:
Disposal
Acquirer:
Highbridge Capital Management
Year:
2015
EMILIA WICKSTEAD – Luxury womenswear
EMILIA WICKSTEAD – Luxury womenswear
The epitome of modern femininity, Emilia Wickstead's ready-to-wear collections offer traditional elegance with a contemporary twist, uncompromising on quality.
Activity:
Fundraise
Investor:
White & Blue Capital
Year:
2015
EASTERN PARKS – Holiday parks
EASTERN PARKS – Holiday parks
Two well-established holiday parks in Norfolk and Lincolnshire that together comprise more than 2,000 pitches and a nine-hole golf course.
Activity:
Disposal
Acquirer:
Electra Partners
Year:
2014
SOUTH LAKELAND PARKS – Holiday Parks
SOUTH LAKELAND PARKS – Holiday Parks
Developer and operator of holiday parks in the Lake District area.
Activity:
Acquisition
Acquirer:
Park Holidays
Year:
2013
LBI – Digital marketing*
LBI – Digital marketing*
Leading global digital marketing and technology agency working with blue-chip brands across various industries.
* Advised by team member prior to Highstead
Activity:
Sale
Acquirer:
Publicis Groupe
Year:
2013
ISLAND VIEW HOLIDAYS – Holiday parks
ISLAND VIEW HOLIDAYS – Holiday parks
Operator of three holiday parks on the Isle of Wight.
Activity:
Acquisition
Acquirer:
Bluebird Partners
Year:
2012