GP Bullhound advises Next 15 Group plc on the sale of Marker Collective to AVENIR GLOBAL

GP Bullhound has acted as financial adviser to Next 15 Group plc (“Next 15”) on the sale of Marker Collective (“Marker”) to AVENIR GLOBAL (“AVENIR”), a holding and management company of specialist communications firms. The transaction values Marker at an enterprise value of £70 million.

Formed in 2024 through the combination of Archetype, Outcast and Nectar Communications, Marker Collective is an AI-enabled marketing technology and communications business serving leading technology brands across North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific.

The sale is another significant milestone in Next 15’s simplification strategy.

Greg Smith, Partner at GP Bullhound, commented: “Marker has built a strong position at the intersection of AI, technology and communications, with a high-quality client base and talented teams. We are pleased to have supported Next 15 on a transaction that delivers on the Group’s strategy and gives Marker a dedicated owner in AVENIR for its next phase of growth.”

Sam Knights, Chief Executive Officer of Next 15, said: “This is an important milestone in the transformation of Next 15. It advances the simplification strategy we set out at our Capital Markets Day in January, unlocks significant value, and is another decisive step towards a simpler, more focused Group. Marker is a strong business powered by exceptionally talented people, and I would like to thank the whole leadership team for their contribution to the Group. We are confident that, with AVENIR as its new owner, it will have the dedicated support and ambition to realise its full potential.”

GP Bullhound acted as exclusive financial adviser to Next 15.

The transaction builds on GP Bullhound’s track record in communications, PR and influencer marketing, which now stands at more than 45 closed transactions.

About Marker Collective
Marker is an AI-enabled marketing technology and communications business serving leading global technology companies across North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific. For more information, visit markercollective.com.

About Next 15
Next 15 Group plc (AIM: NFG) is a technology and data-driven growth consultancy. The Group helps its clients grow sustainably across revenue, brand and reputation through a portfolio of specialist businesses spanning customer insight, marketing and communications, and digital transformation. For more information, visit next15.com.

About AVENIR GLOBAL
AVENIR GLOBAL is a Montreal-based holding and management company with an active operations mindset and a hands-on approach to all its investments. A global powerhouse of specialist communications firms, AVENIR GLOBAL now has more than 1,500 employees across Canada, the US, the UK, continental Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific following its acquisition of Marker Collective. The group ranks among the 15 largest communications firms in the world. For more information, visit avenir.global.

About GP Bullhound
GP Bullhound is a leading technology advisory firm, providing transaction advice to the world’s best entrepreneurs and founders. Founded in 1999 in London and Menlo Park, the firm today has 10 offices spanning Europe, Asia and the US. For more information, please visit www.gpbullhound.com.

Enquiries
For enquiries, please contact:
Greg Smith, Partner at GP Bullhound, greg.smith@gpbullhound.com
Adam Segall, Vice President at GP Bullhound, adam.segall@gpbullhound.com