Moore Kingston Smith advises MSQ Partners on its acquisition of The Forge

Moore Kingston Smith has provided financial and tax due diligence to MSQ Partners on its acquisition of The Forge.

London-based award-winning insights-driven strategy and innovation consultancy, The Forge, is the latest to join the growing ranks at next generation independent creative, technology and media company, MSQ Partners, boosting its insights and strategy capabilities.

The Forge, which operates a director-only colleague model, brings ‘big thinking’ and sector experience to clarify, provoke and inspire innovation for global clients across healthcare and consumer products, retail, fashion, entertainment and finance. Key clients of the agency, founded in 2013 and led by Steven Melford, Managing Director, Simon Garnett, Karl Miley, Lee Manning Craik, Kirsty Yeomans and Daniel Quinn, include Unilever, Haleon, Perfetti.

With over 1,850 people working across 24 global offices, MSQ Partners is a next-generation creative, technology and media company creating brand momentum for clients. It’s one of the world’s fastest growing marketing groups, offering flexibility, choice and transparency to clients. Clients include Unilever, Vodafone, Vitality, Diageo and Booking.com

Moore Kingston Smith provided financial and tax due diligence to MSQ Partners. The financial due diligence team was led by Partner Mike Orton, supported by George Hatswell, Director, Matt Edwards, Manager and Adam England, Supervisor. The tax team was led by Tom Acland, Tax Director, supported by Amy Tilley, Tax Manager and Edward Fitzgerald, Tax Assistant.

Dan Yardley, Group Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer MSQ commented “It was great to work with the Moore Kingston Smith’s Corporate Finance and Tax teams on our acquisition of The Forge. The team are experts in the media and marketing services sector, which enables them to deliver excellent concise, commercial advice.”

Mike Orton, Corporate Finance Partner at Moore Kingston Smith and Transaction Services specialist, said: “We are pleased to have supported MSQ on their latest acquisition that aligns with their strategic vision for the future. With the industry growing at a rapid pace, the sector demands sharp commercial insights – our work with MSQ reflects our commitment to delivery clarity, confidence and value at every stage to our clients.”