London, 24 August 2017– Advent International (“Advent”), one of the largest and most experienced global private equity investors, today announced that it has agreed to acquire Williams Lea Tag, a leading provider of marketing and communications services, from Deutsche Post DHL Group. Financial terms of the transaction are undisclosed.

From its foundation in 1820 as a financial printing business, Williams Lea Tag has expanded into a global organisation which specialises in delivering integrated marketing and communications solutions for some of the largest and most recognised brands across the world. The company provides a broad range of marketing solutions, such as creative production and sourcing services alongside business process outsourcing (BPO) services, including document workflow process capabilities and the production of personalised customer communications. Headquartered in London, the company has a presence in 195 cities across 40 countries.

Advent, which has a strong track-record in carving out businesses from major corporations and assisting them with their transition to independence, and Deutsche Post DHL Group have agreed to work in partnership to execute the separation in a way that will ensure continuity and quality of service to all customers of Williams Lea Tag.

Andy Dawson, Managing Director at Advent International, said, “We see great further growth potential in Williams Lea Tag on a global scale.  Advent will support the company through targeted investment in people, technology, and systems and to strengthen its customer proposition and help its clients to realise the true potential of their brands. Advent’s expertise in executing complex carve-outs combined with our deep sector experience will ensure Williams Lea Tag’s transition to an independent company is smooth and will put it on a solid foundation from which it can grow and prosper.”

The investment in Williams Lea Tag is subject to customary regulatory approvals. Advent International was advised by Rothschild, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, Bain & Company and Ernst & Young.