S4Capital has just closed its fifth acquisition deal so far in 2021, as it bolts on another business to accelerate growth.
This time S4's MediaMonks announced expansion into PR and communications with the addition of Low Earth Orbit (L.E.O.).
The commercials of the deal haven't been announced but typically includes cash and shares in S4 Capital for the target company.
Low Earth Orbit executives Kevin King and Jess Clifton, both formerly of Edelman, will be taking on senior leadership roles within MediaMonks.
In July last year S4 raised GBP113 million to pursue growth via acquisitions. Last week the company announced the addition of STAUD STUDIOS, a high-end creative production studio specialising in the automotive industry.
The latest buy, L.E.O, was founded in 2019, following both Clifton and King’s departure from leadership positions at Edelman. The team has worked with client partners including Dole, Sierra Nevada, Facebook and LA28.
At MediaMonks, Kevin King will serve as global head of brand reputation, focused on building a future-forward public relations and communications offering rooted in modern media relations and digital-first planning.
Jess Clifton will be head of brand and marketing advisory, focused on scaling MediaMonks’ capabilities to help brands maximise investments across technology infrastructure, organisational design, go-to-market strategy, media, campaign planning and execution.
“Brands are in a constant state of navigating disruption to their business. We are excited to bring advisory and reputation together with MediaMonks incredible creative, strategy and media capabilities,” says Jess Clifton.
Before joining L.E.O as a global advisor, Kevin King was with Edelman for 16 years and served as the global chair of Edelman Digital as well as being part of the Edelman Executive Committee.
Edelman Digital was a pioneer in social media and grew to nearly $200 million in revenue with more than 1,000 global employees during King’s tenure. Kevin’s expertise in crisis and brand reputation have helped a number of clients navigate issues including United Airlines, Unilever and Samsung.
Jess Clifton founded Low Earth Orbit in 2019 as a digital-first marketing and communications consultancy. Clifton served as US head of digital for Edelman where she led the development of Edelman's digital portfolio of services.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jess and Kevin to the MediaMonks/S4 family," says Wesley ter Haar, MediaMonks founder and executive director at S4 Capital Group.
"Every brand needs to promote their brand and products, but they also need to protect themselves when faced with reputational challenges.
"Similarly, every brand is asking for strategic support that is more agile and comprehensive to deliver maximum value. Building out a PR 2.0 and Advisory practice will be a significant competitive advantage as we marry it with the S4 holy trinity of data, content and media."
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.