Matt Smith, managing director at international b2b marketing consultancy, BDB, has spearheaded a management buyout, with the new executive team acquiring 100% of the share capital from the founders Susanne Bell (now Dixon) and Henry Dixon.

A specialist in b2b marketing communications for over 30 years, BDB has achieved significant new business wins, organic growth, a brand refresh and developed a fully integrated and enhanced international service offering.

BDB’s most recent client wins include Huntsman Advanced Materials, senseFly, MWheels, Flexitallic, Elsevier and MacDermid Enthone Industrial Solutions, adding to its client roster of organisations such as DSM, tna, Tata Steel and Johnson Controls.

Smith is joined by deputy managing director Catherine Butcher, and Jenny Mason and Jon Hallowell on the executive team. Smith says, “I’m so proud to be leading BDB during this exciting period of development and growth. We have formed a truly formidable team here at BDB, and the deal has been structured to allow future talent the opportunity to share in the ownership.  It’s not lost on me that without such a high performing team, BDB would just be one of many average marcomms agencies, scrambling for market share. We recognise, recruit and nurture talent, and we will continue to ensure that the welfare and development of the team sits at the centre of every decision we make.”

The deal has been supported by HSBC, with Ben Bradley and Ryan Niblock of HURST Corporate Finance and David Easdown of Turner Parkinson acting as financial and legal advisers to the MBO team. Ben Bradley says, “It has been a pleasure to advise the BDB management team, led by Matt, on the buyout. With a new leadership team, the company is well-positioned to continue its international growth. BDB has significant expansion opportunities and an exciting future ahead. We wish Matt and his team all the best as they take the business forward.”