Member Article

Four acquires public affairs firm headed up by Andy Burnham’s former campaign director

London-headquartered integrated agency, Four Communications Group, has continued its acquisition streak after snapping up Insight Consulting Group (ICG), the public affairs and corporate communications agency.

The acquisition, which is for an undisclosed amount, will see ICG’s 30-strong team merge with Four’s existing public affairs team to form Four Public Affairs, creating potentially the biggest public agency in the UK which will be based out of the agency’s London Bridge HQ.

Founded in 2006, ICG is headed up by John Lehal, a prominent UK lobbyist and former campaign director for Andy Burnham and Owen Smith in their failed Labour leadership tilts.

Following confirmation of the acquisition, Nan Williams, Four Communications Group Chief Executive commented: “ICG is the perfect fit for us. We have been looking for a strong Westminster public affairs agency for a while to complement our existing team which specialises in local government and planning work.

“Together we will have a very strong offering in what we believe will be the largest PA agency in the UK.”

ICG is among the UK’s top 10 public affairs agency, boasting fee income of around £3.5m in 2016 with a client list that includes Bristol-Myers Squibb, Paddy Power-Betfair and Time Inc.

As part of the deal, Lehal will head up the new combined entity, which will have a combined fee income of around £5.5m, with current Four Public Affairs Managing Director, Karen Alcock, making way in the Spring.

ICG’s current director, Sarah Jones and Four practice director, Ralph Scott, will assume deputy Managing Director roles.

Lehal commented: “Insight was established to create innovative campaigns with a purpose and we’ve worked for some of the UK’s leading businesses, charities and pressure groups over the last decade.

“Our significant growth in revenue and staff numbers has shown that we are not a company that likes to stand still, which is why I am thrilled to be continuing our evolution as part of the Four Communications Group.”

The acquisition is Four’s sixth since it received a £10m equity finance investment from the Business Growth Fund in 2015.