Stockport-based digital marketing firm Ingenium acquired by Glasgow’s BiP Solutions

Stockport-based digital marketing and database firm Ingenium IDS has been acquired by one of its biggest clients.

Ingenium was bought by Glasgow-headquartered supply chain services company BiP Solutions in its second North West takeover in just over a year, following its acquisition of Chorley-based Pro-Mark Media in 2015.

Ingenium, which has an additional office in Surrey, employs 35 people and generated a revenue of £1.5m in the 12 months to March.

Established in 2005 by brothers David and Michael Cross, Ingenium has created a database of over 250k public sector and enterprise contacts to help firms effectively market their products and services.

It provides content creation, lead generation, online events, surveys and other services to a client base that includes telecoms giant BT, professional services firm KPMG and tech companies IBM and Apple.

A team from accountancy company HURST, including corporate finance partner Tim Scott and associate tax partner Liz Gallagher, advised Ingenium shareholders David Cross, Michael Cross and Ralph Allen on the transaction.

Mark Winthorpe of Pannone Corporate provided legal advice for the Ingenium shareholders, while law firm DWF and accountants Grant Thornton advised BiP.

David Cross commented: “We are proud of what we have achieved over the last 11 years in helping our clients to secure meaningful long-term business across the private and public sectors, which started as a result of a marketing campaign initiated by ourselves.

“We are excited to join the BiP group of companies which will allow us to grow and innovate to achieve outstanding results for our current and future clients.”

BiP chief exec Simon Burges said: “This is an important step for the BiP group and is a clear demonstration of our ongoing commitment to invest in and grow the business.

“Ingenium IDS has developed a fantastic range of innovative products and services that, through this strategic acquisition, will provide many benefits to the BiP group and its customers.”

He continued: “It’s a perfect fit and I am delighted to welcome their staff and senior management team into the BiP family.”

Tim Scott said of the deal: “Ingenium provides its clients with access to what is widely regarded as the largest and most accurate public sector and enterprise database in the UK.

“The company has doubled its turnover since 2012 by expanding its customer base and increasing its range of services.

“It has extremely good prospects and this transaction is a great deal for the business and its shareholders. It makes an excellent cultural fit with BiP.”

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