Bath marketing firm Frontline Display International, which counts global blue-chip companies such as Heineken among its clients, is predicting further growth after being acquired by a major London-based agency.
Big Group’s takeover of Frontline extends its reach into the South West and follows its acquisition two years ago of Newbury-based m4, which specialises in creative design, digital and 3D retail displays.
Frontline, based on Lower Bristol Road, provides retail design and experiential marketing support globally for blue-chip internationals, including Cleveland Golf, CAT and Heineken as well as expanding Bath-based sex toy retailer Lovehoney.
Big Group’s clients include BT, Hyundai, Mastercard, Samsung, TATA and Universal Music. In April it opened a new combined headquarters in Newbury for its Thames Valley operations and which houses 35 staff working across retail design and digital marketing.
Frontline founder and owner Phil Griffiths was advised on the terms of the sale by the Bath office of regional law firm Royds Withy King. Financial details have not been disclosed.
Big Group CEO Nick Scott said: “Being able to engage at a strategic level with our clients remains a priority for Big Group and the retail and experiential environments are key to this. We wanted to build on the acquisition of retail design agency m4 in Newbury and we believe the South West suits our growth aspirations both in terms of clients and attracting and retaining talent across the group.”
Phil Griffiths added: “We were looking to align ourselves with a partner who could complement our results-led offering. It was clear to us that Big Group has all the requisite talent to assist in our continued growth as we endeavour to integrate digital technology with the physical world of retail.
“But, most importantly, we have a shared ethos and dedication to service excellence that benefits everyone – it really is a perfect match. I am very grateful to Royds Withy King for their advice and support during this journey.”
Royds Withy King’s corporate and commercial team was led by senior associate James Worrall and solicitor Edward Chapman.
James Worrall said: “We are delighted that Frontline was able to secure the right buyer for their highly successful and ambitious business. We have enjoyed working with Phil on the deal and are pleased that we managed to achieve the result he was looking for.”
“Despite the economic and political turmoil of the past 12 months, the South West deals market has remained encouragingly resilient with Experian having recently reported a record amount of M&A (merger and acquisition) activity in the region.”
Big Group were advised by Oxford and London law firm White & Black.
Pictured: Frontline founder Phil Griffiths, left, with Big Group CEO Nick Scott
