THA 
On The Up And Up
Two leading Leicester based marketing and communications agencies Thomas Hannah & Associates (THA) and The Q Group are merging to form a powerful new company in a deal funded by The Royal Bank of Scotland (“RBS”). The new company, which will re-brand under the name THA Group, will now boast a combined workforce of 137 and a turnover of £36 million. Kevin Ingram and Nick Robinson, founders of THA, will lead the company and they will be joined on the board by Ian Williamson from The Q Group. Simon Gravett and Darren Gilbert will assume the roles of Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer respectively and will also sit on the management board.
THA, which was formed in 1991 and has offices in Thurmaston, London, Belgiumand the US, is a full service communications agency delivering web based communication/motivation programmes, reward and recognition programmes, logistics management of events and incentive travel, live event production and filmmaking and creative design management. THA has just won 3 Gold Awards and the overall Platinum Award for Best Event at the ITMA (Incentive Travel and Meetings Association) 2006 Awards. The Q Group is a marketing and communications agency with specialist divisions dealing with business travel, logistics, incentives, marketing services and hospitality. Its Headquarters are in Mountsorrell.
The combined strength of the new group provides the business with the opportunity to grow their markets organically, whilst also providing a financial strength to undertake tactical acquisitions.
RBS have provided the company with a finance package to restructure their working capital facilities, including interest rate and treasury management solutions and Cooper Parry Corporate Finance acted as lead advisers. Fellow East Midlands professionals, Shoosmiths, Harvey Ingram LLP and Howes Percival have also been involved in the transaction.
Commenting on the merger and the plans for the group in the future, Kevin Ingram said: “The merger begins a new chapter in both businesses history. With complimentary services and a very creative, experienced and professional workforce we now find ourselves in a very strong position, with greater level of coverage in our specialist areas and a strong footprint in both UK and international markets.”
Nick Robinson added “We now have a great opportunity to take the business to a new level. We already provide internal communications support for a number of bluechip clients and with the investment we are making in the new business, we will actively strive to increase our client list. As a full service agency it is important we have the best people in position to deliver the solutions our clients demand and deserve, I am sure that through this merger we are clearly in the right position to deliver this level of service.”
Ian Williamson said “The companies have outstanding synergies, with differing and diverse offerings and a non competitive client list. We have a real opportunity now to grow and achieve our business vision to become the agency of choice for motivational communications and live events”
Mark Lewis, Relationship Director at RBS comments “This is a good strategic fit for both businesses and provides the new group with a number of business opportunities. Not only is it the financial strength that will benefit them, but the combined creative expertise enhances their service offering. It is also rewarding to see that a deal involving East Midlands companies has been delivered by the professional community here in the East Midlands.”
Cooper Parry Corporate Finance Partner Heath Walker lead adviser to THA explained: “With each company operating in the same sector but with different blue chip clients there was always an obvious synergy to the two becoming.
“The merger has resulted in one of the biggest agencies of its kind in the country. It’s an exciting company and one with a bright future where further expansion and acquisitions should not be ruled out. Like our fellow advisers, we’re obviously delighted the deal has been concluded and the group can now go from strength to strength.”
Jit Singh and Liz Jackson led the Howes Percival team and are delighted with the outcome for both businesses and for Leicester. Commenting on the merger and the future plans for the enlarged group, Liz Jackson said "The merger of the two existing brands, together with the complementary client base and new management team should prove a good foundation to take the group from strength to strength. It was a great team effort from local professionals and financiers to help bring together these two Leicestershire businesses."
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