MediaCityUK’s dock10 acquires post-production firm 422

Digital media services provider dock10 has announced a deal to acquire post-production and visual effects (VFX) business 422.

dock10, which is based at MediaCityUK, will acquire 100% of the Manchester company’s shares.

As part of the deal, 422’s Glasgow-based sister company will remain under its existing independent ownership and rebrand in the coming months.

dock10 expects the acquisition to expand its short-form and long-form service offer, given 422’s broad customer base and specialisms in creative audio, vfx and graphics, grade, animation and CG.

Most recently, the 422 team worked with agencies on campaigns for kitchen retailer Magnet Kitchens, seafood company John West and supermarket chains Aldi and Farmfoods.

Mark Senior, the chief exec of dock10, said: “The 422 team has a fantastic reputation for creating and delivering a formidable range of high end post production services, and we are delighted to welcome them to dock10.

“When combined with our existing post production and vfx business, this acquisition will make dock10 the clear leader outside London in both the TV and creative services markets.”

The 422 team, headed up by Damien Lynch and Gemma Ackerley, will remain in its existing premises in Manchester city centre until mid-2017, when the company will relocate to dock10’s base at The Quay.

422 facilities director Damien Lynch commented: “422 was conceived, over 20 years ago, to offer the best creative talent and innovative post production technology outside of London.

“In that time, we have developed into a full service post production and vfx facility, catering primarily for the advertising, corporate and animation industries.”

He added: “I am very excited about the opportunity to combine the service offerings of dock10 and 422 which will be unparalleled in the regional market.”

Commenting on the deal, 422 client services director Gemma Ackerley said it was obvious early on that that dock10 and 422’s ambitions are “ aligned“.

She continued: “This is an incredibly exciting time for everybody involved and there are huge opportunities for all of us. We are joining forces with an incredibly forward-thinking company and are looking forward to bringing our talents and expertise to an already first class team.”

George Danczak of corporate law firm Addleshaw Goddard advised dock10 on the acquisition, while 422’s selling shareholders were advised by Simon Wallwork of Slater Heelis and Rob Lord from Cowgill Holloway.