The Hut Group completes takeover of marketing agency Hangar Seven

The Hut Group, the Cheshire-based online retailer, has completed the acquisition of marketing services agency, Hangar Seven Limited.

The deal results in a three times cash return for Catapult Ventures, which invested in Hangar Seven in September 2011 to support its plans for growth.

Hangar Seven specalises in the planning, creation, production and distribution of content that changes consumer opinion, stimulates consumer interaction and drives retail footfall and sales.

The agency’s clients include, DFS, B&Q, Boots, Tesco, Diageo and Unilever, amongst many others.

The Hut Group is home to online brands such as Myprotein, lookfantastic and MyBag, plus many more. The Northwich-headquartered company operates over 100 websites that sell premium, non-perishable FMCG direct to the consumer.

Ed Wass, who led the transaction for Catapult Ventures, said: “We are delighted that Hangar Seven has been such a successful story.

“Catapult backed the management team because we recognised that they had the passion, ideas, skills and enthusiasm to grow the business with our help.

“We are very proud to have supported them through this period of the company’s development.”

Jeremy Middleton, Hangar Seven chairman, commented: “Over the last five years Catapult Ventures has been a hugely supportive partner, with its investment and guidance, enabling us to successfully deliver our strategic goals.

“The management team now look forward to the continued success of the business under new ownership.

“Becoming part of The Hut Group is great news for both our people and our customers. It brings many new career opportunities for our Crew and, for our customers, it means that we will be able to augment our existing services with The Hut Group’s market leading abilities in both technology and customer data and insight.”

The shareholders were advised by Richard Medd and Vicky Gaskell of Browne Jacobson.