Connect Communications has announced a Management Buyout by Andy Sawford, Sarah King and Laura Blake, who have completed the purchase of 100% of the shareholding and ownership of the company. Gill Morris is to lead the recently developed brand DevoConnect as a wholly independent company focussing on public affairs and communications in the devolved nations.
The statement details:
“Gill Morris and the management team of Connect are pleased to announce exciting new plans for growth and a transition to a management buy-out. Gill has been the majority shareholder and head of Connect since she led the MBO [Management Buyout] in 1997 to purchase it from Omnicom. Over the last year and in her role as Executive Chairman, Gill has focussed on building a new brand, DevoConnect, to deliver public affairs and communications services in the devolved nations and in response to the devolution revolution. She has succeeded in building a network of the top communications consultants across the UK and establishing our reputation and capability outside Westminster. We are therefore delighted that DevoConnect will become an independent company, as she hands the ownership of Connect on to the current management team”.
Andy Sawford, Managing Partner said:
“We are very proud to be taking Connect forward. Together, Laura, Sarah and I have over 25 years of service to Connect and we are committed to maintaining the ethos, values and commitment to our clients that has made us an award winning agency. We want to personally assure all our clients that there will be continuity of service and our brilliant staff team remain focused on delivering results”.