ilG Digital agency in MBO

ilG Digital, a digital media agency and consultancy, has been bought by private equity firm ECI Partners and its management in a deal worth more than £45 million. Management will retain a stake of approximately 40 per cent in the business, with the remainder owned by ECI.

The management buy-out (MBO) provides the company with access to additional capital to help fund its growth plans, as well an exit for outgoing shareholders including venture capitalist Beringea.

Ingenious Corporate Finance advised the shareholders of ilG on the deal and led negotiations, as well as helping to structure the MBO.

ilG consists of four divisions: i-level, a digital media planning and buying business, web affiliate network PAN, consultancy Generator, and social networking specialist Jam. The company was founded in 1999 by Andrew Walmsley and Charlie Dobres and its clients include Orange, Specsavers and Sony.

ECI specialises in buy-outs, buy-ins and development capital deals valued between £10 million and £150 million.