Wright: Head of Leicester family team
A brand management company owned by London law firm Mishcon de Reya has acquired a Philippines-based business to boost its Asian presence, among various deals struck recently in the legal market.
MDR Brand Management, a two-year-old business that is the first of its kind created by a law firm, has bought CLICK! Licensing Asia Inc, which operates across seven other Asian markets – China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand and Indonesia – and employs over 35 staff.
MDR Brand Management recently opened three offices in India as well and now operates in 25 locations around the world from its London headquarters.
Chief executive Daniel Avener said: “Alongside the newly opened offices in India, this acquisition successfully completes phase one of our expansion strategy and enables us to deliver the most expansive brand management platform across the whole of Asia.”
Kevin Gold, executive chair of the Mishcon de Reya Group, said: “We have seen remarkable growth in the MDR Brand Management business in a very short period of time. It continues to exceed our own expectations but more importantly those of our clients.
“The acquisition of CLICK! marks another important investment for our wider business in Asia. It builds on the opening of our Mishcon de Reya Singapore office earlier this year and our belief that Asia is, and will be, the engine of the global economy.”
MDR Brand Management’s clients accounted for more than $1.1bn in licensed retail sales last year, working with brands such as The Wombles, Revlon and Amy Winehouse.
Meanwhile, listed law firm Ince Group is entering into a strategic cooperation with China based W&H Law Firm, one of China’s top 10 largest law firms, with over 2,000 practicing lawyers across over 30 offices.
Ince said the pair have worked together on “numerous occasions previously”.
Ince chief executive Adrian Biles said the arrangement “marks a significant chapter in the growth of our business… The full service offering of the firm is greatly enhanced by this strategic cooperation agreement.
Domestically, media, technology and IP law firm Wiggin has acquired boutique digital entertainment practice Purewal & Partners. Founder Jas Purewal joins as a partner, alongside his team.
Purewal & Partners specialises in the fast-growing video games, esports and digital broadcast sectors.
Wiggin chief executive John Banister said the deal “marks the latest success in Wiggin’s strategic growth”.
Meanwhile, Wiggin has also entered into a formal collaboration with media professional services specialist Concise Media.
The partnership will see Concise provide expert media sector consultancy support to professional teams involved in areas as diverse as regulatory submissions, trade body guidance, investments and M&A due diligence.
Wiggin partner Sarah MacDonald explained: “We’re focused on helping our clients with all aspects of their business, whether that’s through our spin-off ventures or partnerships with like-minded operators.
“Our arrangement with Concise gives us direct access to industry-leading expertise in commercial media strategy and assurance and undoubtedly creates additional value for our clients.”
Finally, East Midlands law firm Nelsons has bought Leicester family law firm Glynis Wright & Co, a £1.2m business. Ms Wright joins as a partner and head of Nelsons’ family team, bringing with her seven lawyers and a trainee.
Nelsons chief executive Stewart Vandermark said: “This transaction further supports our ambitious strategy to increase Nelsons’ overall turnover to £20m and underlines our aspirations in Leicester, demonstrating our commitment to and investment in the city.”
In 2019, Nelsons hit the first milestone of its financial target – growing after-tax profits by 27% to £3.6m and boosting turnover by 8% to £17m.
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