Next 15 Seals Engine Group Takeover

Next Fifteen Communications Group has struck an agreement to acquire Engine Group in a deal worth £77.5m.

Engine is a digital transformation, communications and creative business with approximately 600 staff and 300 UK and international clients, including global brands such as Sky, a key UK sports broadcaster.

Engine also created ‘The Game Changers’, a communications solution to drive awareness and excitement around the 2020 Youth Olympic Games in Lausanne (pictured).  

Engine’s business comprises three divisions: Communications – which trades under the MHP and Mischief brands, Creative and Transformation.

Emma Robertson and Alex Bigg will continue to lead Engine Transformation and MHP Mischief, respectively. Phil Fearnley will become the new CEO for the combination of Engine Creative and ODD, the existing Next 15 creative agency focused on fashion, retail and lifestyle brands.

Tim Dyson, CEO of Next 15, said, “Acquiring this broad-based digital transformation, communications and creative business fits well with our track record and strategy of adding growth businesses which then contribute to our target of doubling the size of our business in the next three to five years.

“Its three businesses are home to great talent and strong client relationships and provide multiple opportunities to expand and further apply our growth consultancy services.

“We look forward to working with the management teams, staff and clients of the three businesses at Engine and other industry leaders within Next 15 to execute our growth plan built on our model of independence, incentives and investment.”

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