iris sought a partner would could substantially boost its
penetration of the North American market and could significantly
enhance its access to proprietary content to fuel its clients
marketing activities.
Results International's brief was to find a partner who could
deliver against this. Through our international team we had worked
with both iris and Meredith in multiple geographies over a number
of years and we saw a compelling fit. The offerings, geographies,
client bases and relative strengths of both businesses played
perfectly against each other.
The investment in iris gives Meredith Xcelerated Marketing a
truly global platform for both business to come together and serve
their many blue-chip clients, and further enhances their ability to
provide customised marketing solutions across multiple channels and
markets. The resulting global powerhouse in advertising, digital,
print, public relations, CRM, shopper and experiential marketing is
ideally placed to define the next generation of integrated
agency.
Most networks are built exclusively with the networks' interests
in mind. We believe that there is a growing generation of global
clients who are open to a new model, one that is much more driven
by the consumers and the communities of interest that they live
within. We think that 'content' (and it's leverage) will be key to
this. Meredith have lots of skills in this area that fit perfectly
with this idea.
Comments on the transaction from Ian Millner, Joint CEO, iris Worldwide
Q: Why did you choose Results
International?
It was actually Results who proactively brought this opportunity
to us. We've had a long relationship with the Results team and
they've always stayed close to our side as we've built the business
internationally, so they knew what we were looking for and what the
right kind of timing was for us. I doubt that any other advisers
are as close to the ground in so many different markets, so it's
unlikely anyone else would have identified this opportunity had
Results not done so. Results have worked with us before, and
understood our culture, and therefore what style of partner would
be value add to our journey.
Q: Did Results International live up to your
expectations throughout the transaction?
Results understand us. They've made a point of knowing us well
and on a personal level, so when they recommended we consider this
opportunity we took them seriously. They got it spot on. Not just
the commercial fit but the chemistry and the personalities.
Q: Where did Results International add value
in the sale process?
They identified this opportunity, brought us together and
facilitated the process in a really flexible and supportive way.
They were always around for us when we needed them and Meredith
also respected them which made for a smooth process.
Q: Would you use Results International
again?
We're delighted to have formed our partnership with Meredith.
Would I recommend Results to anyone else out there looking for an
international platform to scale their business? Without
hesitation.