International law firm CMS has advised leading government advisory consultancy Consulum on an agreement for it to be acquired by Stagwell, the NASDAQ listed global marketing network.
Founded in 2012, Consulum specialises in strategic communications, public policy, and leadership support, with offices in Riyadh, Manama, Dubai, London, Cape Town and Kuala Lumpur. With this acquisition, Consulum will enter a new period of growth by enhancing its existing services with Stagwell’s innovative offering, while Stagwell will strengthen its presence in the Middle East.
CMS Corporate Partner Rob Willis comments: “We have thoroughly enjoyed working with Consulum and its shareholders and management team on this transaction, which combines the strength and expertise of two firms with unique propositions and will support their ongoing growth. Our international offering across London and the Middle East meant that we were well placed to advise on this deal, drawing in particular on expertise in CMS’s offices in Dubai and Saudia Arabia.”
Tim Ryan, Chairman of Consulum said: "Consulum's shareholders and management are extremely grateful to Rob Willis and the team at CMS for their first-class guidance and support over the course of this transaction. Given the complex nature of the multiple jurisdictions and the different legal facets involved, it was invaluable to have a legal team with the capability and reach to expertly inform at every level throughout."
Rob Willis led a multidisciplinary and multijurisdictional team, which included Alex Stanciu, Christopher Edge, Keith Martin and Oliver Colston-Weeks (Corporate – UK); Robert Sartor, Kate Haywood and Stephen Hignett (Tax – UK); Andrew Quayle and Mala Patel (Employee Incentives - UK); Hanna Uhlin, Harkee Wilson, Josh Cosoff and Patrik Daintry (Corporate – Dubai); and Harry Taylor and Reem Alsmail (Corporate – Saudi Arabia).
