Welcoming media M&A specialist partner James Kesner
We’re pleased to announce the appointment of James Kesner as a partner in our Corporate Finance team, further strengthening our media corporate finance offering and expanding our capabilities across the marketing services and media sectors.
James brings more than 20 years’ experience advising agencies in the marketing services and related technology space. He has a long track record of working on transactions for founder-owned and private equity-backed businesses. Notable deals James has worked on include TLC taking investment from BD Capital, Sideshow’s (now Gain Group) investment from Waterland, and Ledger Bennett on its sale to Havas, as well as buy side advice on LDC’s investment in Croud and Livingbridge’s transaction with Brainlabs.
James began his career in industry as a Chief Financial and Operating Officer within an agency before moving into M&A. This gives him a combination of operational understanding and deal expertise, and he is known for his hands-on, personable approach and for working closely with founders to shape the right outcomes for their long-term ambitions.
James Kesner, Media Corporate Finance Partner said: “Moore Kingston Smith is exceptionally well positioned in the marketing and media services space, and there’s huge opportunity for us to help founders who are looking for the right partner to drive their next stage of growth. I’m excited to build on the fantastic work already happening here.”
Matt Meadows, Managing Partner at Moore Kingston Smith said: “James’ appointment enhances our ability to provide the clarity and market insight agencies are looking for. His experience working with founder-led businesses complements our team’s work, particularly our recent track record of high value transactions across the media and marketing services sector.”
James joins our established media corporate finance team that includes partner Paul Winterflood. Paul, along with Head of Media, Esther Carder, regularly hosts a series of webinars and events exploring the trends shaping the Media M&A market.
The team has advised on over 90 media and marketing services transactions since 2020, reflecting our strong position in the media and marketing services M&A market. These include the sales of Total Media, 23red and The Overlap. On the buy side, the team has supported investors on significant acquisitions, including Amplify by Common Interest, The Forge, Precious Media and Wooshi by MSQ and SEEN Group by Rockpool, demonstrating our ability to guide founders and investors through complex, high value transactions.
