Epigram completes successful management buyout (MBO)

Our client Epigram, has completed a management buy-out (MBO) as part of the next phase in the company’s growth strategy and we are delighted to have supported the management team on the deal.

The Manchester-headquartered agency, which was founded by Nicky Owen in the early 1990s, has been active in the creative sector for over 30 years. In 2018, experienced legal marketing director Susan Siddall (née Pettit) came into the business to continue the growth of the company, kickstarting a succession plan for the agency.

The MBO sees the final part of that plan complete, with the buy-out of Nicky Owen’s shares by CEO Susan Siddall, bringing Epigram under sole ownership.

Founded in 1993, Epigram quickly established itself as the go-to agency for the legal sector, having carved out a niche through its deep understanding of partnership structures and law firm culture, as well as its requirement for tight turnarounds and high-quality creative work. Over the years, the business continued to grow organically through its work with some of the world’s best-known law firms including Linklaters, DWF LLP, DLA Piper, Addleshaw Goddard, Eversheds Sutherland and Osborne Clarke.

Since joining the business, Susan has played a key role in diversifying Epigram’s client portfolio, securing notable appointments to the Cultural Campaign supporting the Commonwealth Games in 2022, as well as bringing onboard a number of regional law firms including Pannone Corporate, Rusell Cooke and Taylor Wessing.

Under Susan’s leadership, the company has also expanded its client roster beyond the legal sector to work with global brands like Knight Frank and Kraft Heinz, as well as developing online and interactive offerings, guiding clients through the complexities of digital design and emerging AI tools.

Speaking of the news, Susan commented:

“I am pleased to announce the successful completion of this MBO which marks the next stage in our growth journey and would like to reassure our clients and partners that we remain committed to delivering high-quality, innovative and tailored design solutions.

“It is very much business as usual and we will continue to operate with the same team of talented designers, values and culture that have made Epigram such a trusted and respected creative partner over the last 30 years.”

Reflecting on the transition, Nicky, who will retire from the business to focus on her work in the charity sector, said:

“Having built Epigram from the ground up, it’s incredibly important to me that the company continues to thrive and grow. I have full trust in Susan’s ability to build on the foundations we’ve laid together in recent years.

“Her vision and dedication to both our clients and the team are exactly what Epigram needs to enter this next phase of growth. I’m excited to see how she will steer the company towards even greater success in the future.”

Susan added:

“Nicky has created an incredibly strong foundation, and as we move into this new chapter, I am more committed than ever to driving Epigram’s success. We have ambitious goals ahead and, with the continued talent, dedication and creativity of our team, I am confident we will achieve them.”

Murray Patt, founder of Alexander Knight & Co, added:

We were delighted to provide advice to Susan and the brilliant Epigram team on this successful MBO. The team is now perfectly poised for more growth and success in the future.