Lansons Acquisition: Key Details, Impact, and What Comes Next

Team Farner's acquisition of Lansons marks a significant milestone in the communications industry. This strategic move not only expands Team Farner's footprint into the UK market but also enhances its service offerings in corporate and financial communications, public affairs, and crisis management. The acquisition underscores the growing trend of internationalization among leading communication consultancies.

What Is Lansons?

Founded in 1989, Lansons is a communication and reputation management firm offering services such as public and media relations, financial communications, and crisis communications. Unique in its insight-driven approach, Lansons operates in London and New York and has been an award-winning employer for 19 consecutive years. The firm is committed to social responsibility, gender equality, and racial equity, maintaining a low gender pay gap and achieving carbon neutrality since 2009.

Who Acquired Lansons?

Team Farner is a prominent European management consultancy specializing in integrated communication. The company offers a range of services including public relations, digital marketing, financial communications, and ESG consulting. Known for its entrepreneurial and owner-led approach, Team Farner collaborates with specialized partner firms across Europe, enhancing its market reach and influence. The consultancy is recognized for its innovative, evidence-based solutions and its ability to adapt to new challenges with agility and creativity.

When Was Lansons Acquired?

Team Farner acquired Lansons on October 9, 2023. This acquisition aligns with the ongoing trend of consolidation and expansion within the communications industry, particularly among integrated communication consultancies. The timing is significant as it follows Lansons' record income year in 2022/23 and a series of strategic hires, positioning both firms to better address complex environments and growing international needs.

Why Was Lansons Acquired?

• Market Expansion: The acquisition of Lansons by Team Farner is a strategic move to enter the UK market, one of the most important communications markets in Europe. This expansion transforms Lansons into a top 10 agency in the UK and extends Team Farner's geographical footprint across Europe, including Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, and now the UK.
• Technology Integration: Lansons has made strategic hires to enhance its social and digital capabilities, including appointing an executive creative director and a head of research and insight. These additions bolster Team Farner's technological prowess, enabling more robust and innovative communication solutions for clients.
• Competitive Advantage: The acquisition strengthens Team Farner's competitive position by combining Lansons' expertise in corporate, financial, public affairs, crisis management, and sustainability services with Team Farner's integrated communication capabilities. This partnership provides the investment needed for Lansons to push to be a top-10 player in the UK market, enhancing their ability to respond to complex environments and growing international needs.

Acquisition Terms

• Acquisition Price: The acquisition price was not publicly disclosed.
• Payment Method: The payment method was not specified.
• Key Conditions or Agreements:
  • Lansons will join Team Farner as its flagship UK consultancy.
  • The current senior leadership team at Lansons will continue to lead the business and will reinvest in and remain equity partners in Team Farner.
  • The acquisition aims to accelerate Lansons' growth through organic means and acquisitions.
  • The partnership will combine a fee volume of around 120 million euros per year, with 17 partner agencies and over 700 employees across Europe.
  • The focus will be on deepening and enhancing capabilities to help clients respond to complex environments and growing international needs.
  • Team Farner is backed by the private equity firm Waterland and includes 16 consultancies across various European countries, with plans for further expansion.

Impact on Lansons

The acquisition of Lansons by Team Farner has brought about notable changes in operations and management. The senior leadership team, including CEO Gordon Tempest-Hay and Executive Chair Tony Langham, will continue to lead Lansons, ensuring continuity and stability. Clare Parsons will remain as a non-executive director, while the leadership team and six senior colleagues will reinvest and stay on as equity partners in Team Farner. This structure aims to maintain Lansons' core values and operational integrity while leveraging Team Farner's extensive network and resources.

In terms of product offerings, the acquisition is set to enhance Lansons' capabilities, particularly in social and digital communications, thanks to strategic hires like an executive creative director and a head of research and insight. The partnership will enable Lansons to offer more robust and innovative solutions, positioning it as a top-10 player in the UK market. Employee reactions have been positive, with the leadership expressing excitement about the growth opportunities. Clients are expected to benefit from the expanded service offerings and international collaboration, reinforcing Lansons' commitment to delivering high-quality, comprehensive communication solutions.

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