MRM adds paid expertise with CCM deal
MRM, the award-winning communications consultancy, has joined forces with paid media specialist Capital City Media (CCM) to create a new independent force in reputation management and brand promotion.
The deal will see CCM Founder Mike Richards and fellow Director Becky Ford join the eight-strong executive committee of the newly created MRM Group, where they will work closely with CEO Andrew Appleyard and the team to further develop and grow the business’s presence and expertise.
Mike Richards will also join Andrew and Richard Wheat on the MRM Group Board.
Based in MRM’s offices in Covent Garden, CCM will continue to operate under its own brand, integrating across the enlarged group its sector-leading expertise and insight into UK, European and worldwide paid media.
Founded in 1990 by Mike Richards, CCM was the UK’s first specialist media agency offering media planning and buying expertise to companies in and around the financial services sector. The company has a particularly strong reputation in asset management, representing a range of leading organisations globally.
Commenting on the deal, MRM Group CEO Andrew Appleyard said:
“The art and science of modern reputation management and brand promotion demands a deep understanding of all communication channels and how they can be best utilised to achieve results.
“Paid media is a vitally important part of the communications mix and our decision to acquire CCM is a proactive one that is well supported by our existing clients and contacts. It adds considerable strength to our offering both in the UK and Europe while creating a platform for organic growth and other carefully considered partnerships and acquisitions.
“In Mike, Becky and the team at CCM we are joining forces with one of the most experienced and respected businesses operating in this space. I have known and admired them for many years and am looking forward to working with them to deliver a market-leading proposition to our clients.”
Mike Richards said:
“I’ve known Andy for over 15 years and have increasingly worked closely with him and the team at MRM. We’ve looked at doing something for some time, but it is now that we feel the timing is right and relevant for the businesses and our clients.
“We believe a combined and heavily integrated proposition will be immensely powerful and something we are extremely excited about taking to market.”
MRM was advised by Boodle Hatfield and GLA Partners.