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Harbottle & Lewis advises ONE Strategy Studio on its sale to Radius Insights

Posted on by Dea Dragashi

We have advised ONE Strategy Studio, the world leading AI-first strategic insight agency, on its sale to Radius Insights.

Founded in 2023, ONE Strategy Studio uses Gen AI Automation to reinvent the insight & strategy agency experience, using automated AI solutions to transform brand strategy.

The team was led by co-managing partner Charlie Leveque and managing associate Katerina Capras with support from associates Suzie Hamilton and Julia Routledge, who advised on all corporate matters relating to the deal. Partner David Scott advised on tax and managing associate Zoey Forbes advised on intellectual property.

On working with Harbottle & Lewis, ONE Strategy Studio founder Jonathan Williams commented:

“Going through a transaction is one of the hardest challenges in the start-up journey. Charlie, Katerina, Zoey and Julia from Harbottle and Lewis were the perfect partners to help us navigate the strange and complex world of legal negotiations and doing so with amazing pace, patience and resilience. When things get tough (and they will!) this is the team you want by your side and fighting your corner. We have partnered on multiple transactions, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone in the agency space looking to do the same.”

Charlie Leveque added:

“It has been a privilege to work with Jonathan and John. They are visionary founders who are harnessing the transformative power of AI to turbo-charge the growth of a state-of-the-art brand strategy and intelligence business. They have set a new benchmark for innovation in the industry, and we are looking forward to seeing ONE Strategy Studio achieve continued success as part of Radius.”

We advise on a broad range of corporate and corporate finance transactions including investments, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and private equity transactions. Learn more about our corporate practice here.

With special thanks to ONE Strategy Studio for the team’s “manga warrior heroes”, pictured below.

Harbottle & Lewis advises Super Media Group on its acquisition of Bulkhead and investment from Everplay and HIRO Capital

Posted on by Dea Dragashi

We have advised Super Media Group on its acquisition of Derby-based video games developer, Bulkhead, and on its investment from Everplay Group plc and HIRO Capital.

Founded in 2014 and best known for Battalion 1944, Bulkhead was acquired from global technology business Tencent by a consortium comprising Super Media Group, Everplay and HIRO Capital. Super Media Group also signed a strategic partnership with Everplay, which will see collaboration on future titles, including new IP WARDOGS and further development of the popular Hell Let Loose franchise.

The team was led by partner Ed Lane, with support from managing associate Katerina Capras, associate Jake Jacobson and trainee solicitor Jacob Eardley, who advised on all corporate matters relating to the deal. The commercial and publishing aspects of the deal were led by partner and co-head of interactive entertainment Kostyantyn Lobov with support from associate Sophie Lewis. Partner David Scott advised on tax.

On working with Harbottle & Lewis, Bulkhead CEO Joe Brammer commented:

“Harbottle & Lewis were exceptional throughout the process. This was a complex, multi-party transaction and the team worked tirelessly, often outside normal hours, to get the deal done. Ed and the wider team handled our business as if it were their own, combining deep attention to detail with a clear understanding of the commercial realities, which made a genuine difference in delivering the outcome we wanted.”

Ed Lane added:

“It was a real pleasure advising Super Media Group on this huge milestone; a complex and layered transaction that really demonstrated the strength and depth of our market-leading corporate and games practices. I look forward to seeing what they do next!”

We have been fully immersed in the interactive entertainment sector since its inception and are recognised as leaders in the sector. We specialise in corporate financing and transactions within the games industry, advising on investment, fundraising, tax credits, M&A, and rights exploitation. Learn more about our interactive entertainment practice here.

Harbottle & Lewis advises Ovation Rights on landmark acquisition of Sir Richard Stilgoe’s theatrical rights catalogue

Posted on by Deborah King

We have advised Ovation Rights on its acquisition of Sir Richard Stilgoe’s rights in some of the most successful stage musicals of all time, including The Phantom of the Opera and Starlight Express. The transaction represents one of the most significant acquisitions of theatrical rights in recent years, marking a pivotal step in recognising the enduring value of theatrical rights and the legacies behind them.

Founded and led by producer Jamie Hendry and former Amazon executive Philip Green, Ovation Rights introduces the scale and strategy ordinarily seen with music catalogue acquisitions to the creators and rightsholders of major plays and musicals. The company collaborates closely with authors, composers, lyricists and estates, working as custodians to protect legacies, honour artistic visions and passionately champion works.

Our team was led by partners Neil Adleman and Charles Leveque, with support from managing associate Teresa Walker and associates Emma Riggs and David Jones and with partner David Scott advising on corporate tax matters.

On working with Harbottle & Lewis, Jamie Hendry commented: “Working with Harbottle & Lewis has been exceptional throughout this transaction. The team understood the unique nature of theatrical rights acquisitions and provided invaluable guidance as we navigated this deal. Their expertise in entertainment law, combined with their commercial understanding of our vision for Ovation Rights, made them the perfect partners for this acquisition. As we continue to build our portfolio and support artists’ legacies, we know we have trusted advisors who share our commitment to protecting and championing the works that have shaped global theatre.”

Neil Adleman added: “We are delighted to have supported the Ovation Rights team on this groundbreaking acquisition. This transaction demonstrates the significant value and enduring appeal of theatrical rights, and we look forward to seeing Ovation Rights continue to invest in artists and rightsholders as custodians of these remarkable legacies.”

Harbottle & Lewis advises on the sale of performance-io to private equity firm Apiary Capital

Posted on by Dea Dragashi

We have advised the sellers of performance-io, a leading life sciences performance marketing, SEO and GEO agency, on its sale to private equity firm, Apiary Capital.

Founded to deliver cutting-edge performance marketing solutions, performance-io has established itself as a key player in the industry, working with clients to enhance their marketing strategies through data-driven insights and expertise. Headquartered in London, the business now operates globally with teams in the UK, US, India, Japan and South Africa. 

Founder and CEO Matt Lowe and his senior management team will remain with the business, focusing on driving performance-io’s further growth and development.

Our team was led by partner Ed Lane, with support from senior associate Alex Gays, and associates Elizabeth Compton and David Jones. Co-managing partner Tony Littner provided strategic support throughout, with partner David Scott advising on corporate tax matters. Partner Yvonne Gallagher and associate Harry Wade also advised on employment matters.

On working with Harbottle & Lewis, Matt Lowe commented: “I’d not worked with lawyers on a PE backed deal before, and frankly the mood music about the experience wasn’t great. However, the experience with Harbottle and Lewis was. From the first meeting with Tony and Ed, through to working with the broader team through some complex curve balls, we had a superb experience; working in a collaborative manner, learning loads and always with a calming, assured temperament. I can’t recommend H&L enough.”

Ed Lane added: “We are delighted to have supported Matt and his team on this milestone, and we look forward to seeing performance-io’s continued success in its partnership with Apiary Capital.”